Chrome=nonfunctional. Depends on period. I would agree that modern-day items with chroming are typically tourist, low-grade items, but the process of nickoling, which resembles chroming, has been around since the 1860's. I've had a Scottish baskethilt from the Crimean War with said nickoling on it.
Rick, I agree that it does have the cutting edge in a place that would make it a good gutting knife, like your trout piece. This also makes me wonder if it is an article from a trouse. The last time we had this debate, the ol' cheese/ fruit knife discussion came about, but i feel with the stag hilt and blade shape, it could be a working blade for the hunt.
Mark E