Need interpretation of strange mark on Spanish mortar

[cannonmn]

I've seen this strange, hieroglyphic-type mark on a couple of "old pattern" Spanish bronze 9-inch mortars, including this one at Hearst Castle in CA.  What does it mean?

[cannonmn]

Wonder where 'ole Bob Smith is these days, he might know that mark.

[Double D]

I can't read it!

[GGaskill]

I assume he is asking about the W with the U under it?

[cannonmn]

I assume he is asking about the W with the U under it?

Yes that's the one, almost like a hieroglyph.  I know it isn't any kind of monogram since Spanish has no "W."

The name banner bears the name "El Palomo" or "The pigeon."  That's the given name of this particular mortar.

[Double D]

When did the Spanish do away with doble ve?

[subdjoe]

It looks like a simplified and inverted hawks lure. http://www.scottish-wedding-dreams.com/images/heraldry-hawks-lure-3-parker.gif (I know it says scottish, but it was a not uncommon european heradic charge)

Maybe the pigeon overturning the hawk?

[cannonmn]

When did the Spanish do away with doble ve?

Someone told me there was no "W"; did they take advantage of my "no comprende?"

That's interesting about the hawk's lure, never saw that before.  Anudder mebbe?

[Double D]

The pigeon may be a satarical reference to what pigeons do!

[cannonmn]

Someone I communicate with on another discussion board has indicated the mark may be a Spanish "sigla."  If so we may be able to identify the merchant who owned that sigla.  If the mark is a sigla, that indicates to me the mortar was shipped as surplus, or scrap bronze.  An artillery piece still in the official Spanish ordnance inventory would not, I think, have a sigla engraved on it, since the Spanish royal cypher would indicate ownership of the piece by the Spanish crown.