what does it say?????

[GatorBoy]

It's been years and I still have not figured out the meaning of the letters and or symbols on this handguard any help would be greatly appreciated.
The site is confusing as to the other artifacts associated with it that has not helped.
Many early 19th century US military items were in the area.. Dragoons army/navy

 

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[GatorBoy]

One other interesting mark is what appears to be the word paid etched into the handguard with what seems to be initials below possibly that tax was paid on it?