Hello Jim. I have also questioned these type swords, which some have claimed have a maritime connection. Gilkerson pictured a similar example in 'Boarders Away Volume I' and also showed a wooden storage locker containing a large grouping of a similar sword type listed as possibly naval in Volume II. Here's an interesting example with a m1804 cutlass blade and a fascinating marking on it ('Dorset Mila' ) with GR markings. This iron-ribbed hilt with brass knuckle bow seems to be a 'universal soldier' type and I suspect had multiple uses by different military forces-
https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...nt=26168184901