I do agree that the hilt casting may, indeed, reveal much about this fine piece, but the inscribed markings are found on both military weapons and "hunting" hangers of the period. I have a hanger with short blade, marked by the maker/owner with strret address in Amsterdam, circa 1750, that has the sun face, profile of the moon, etc, and as it is a hanger, must beclassified as a hunting piece unless some other provenance shows that it was carried as a fighting weapon (of course, many of these were and thus, it's in my maritime collection). I've seen curved hunting pieces and trouse pieces (sorry, don't know how to post pics- completely computer-challenged
. Would like to see more from folks who have suggested surgical knife, as this possibility also makes sense...