Hardly a long read to me
(Tolstoy here!)
Excellent research and I think most plausible deductions, and I think there is a great deal of misunderstanding about actual swordsmiths and cutlers. Then factor in toolmakers and blacksmiths, as well as notable outsourcing
These partnerships also play an important part in trying to use the name(s) on a weapon to establish its date/period. I would guess that a weapon with only the SARGENT (sic) stamp would be from the earlier 19th c period, and that the numbers of examples with the 'I' initial were from the years later 1820s+
Again this is an amazing example, and very much appreciate your sharing all these in this grouping!!