Movin On Estate Sales

This bronze statue is a beauty! Check out the detail throughout including weapons. I will tell you what I know about it up to now. 
I purchased it out of an estate here in Ocala a couple days ago. It was actually same estate where all the jewelry in this auction came from. The lady told me she can date it at least 100 years old. It’s been in her family since. it was given to her grandfather by a wealthy family in Chicago Illinois. This is basically all she knew. She said she could never figure out the artist. 
I got it home and started researching but can’t figure out the signature either! I sent pics of it to a well known high end auctioneer in Massachusetts whom I know. He just got back to me on it and I quote, “ it’s French, 1880’s, and definitely bronze. He also is having issues capturing the signature. He said as is and without knowing the artist it should fetch 600.00- 900.00 in a good auction. He said most likely much more if and when the artist can be confirmed”. This is all we know to this point. I almost decided to hold off until I can get signature verified but decided instead to put a reasonable starting bid on it. If it doesn’t sell that’s fine. I don’t mind keeping it as an investment. 
it stands 22” tall to top of flag as pics show. The only writing on it is the signature on base, and Jesus Maria on the flag.