Stoneware Tankard or Mug, Spring shaped Mark To Base Of Handle, Australian?

Picked up this nice mug today, having trouble deciphering the mark, looks to me as though there is an M in there somewhere. Any help as always appreciated. Thank you.

Not a mark I've come across before. Nice ash glaze. The straight wire cut across the base reminds me of US studio pottery

I'm wondering if the mark is a spring. There is a Spring... Pottery in Australia-NZ but I can't find it atm

Haha, I thought it was a stylized anteater with extra long legs!

Lol! Well whatever it is I think it's a partial mark

The mark does continue however it is not as deeply impressed and with the sharp line between the glaze and the un-glazed body it doesn't show well in the photos. Basically the circle continues as would be expected and the fingers extend slightly further, that's it, no hidden surprises.