need help with letters on knife handguard.

[GatorBoy]

I still have not found out the origin of this find before it wound up on a site in Florida where Spanish shipwreck items have been found..dating back to the 17th century. There was no real context... and alot of overlapping history where I found it...(mostly Spanish and British after the Native)... I'm hoping someone may be able to help.

 

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[GatorBoy]

 

[GatorBoy]

I'm not sure if it's visible in the photos but there appears to have been a large piece of...likely .. brass on the bottom as well.

 

[GatorBoy]

On the left side of the hand guard there is what appears tho be the word "paid" with a possible initial or signature below as is tax was paid on it at one point.

 

[GatorBoy]

Also before cleaning there were what appeared to be superficial numbers inked or painted over the manufactured lettering.
In order to see the original markings it was impossible to save them other than photos.