Hi Jeff and Glen,
It seems to me the blued and gilt blades I have seen are typically end of the 18th century, and well through the 19th. The cabalistic and talismanic images on blades I am referring to are typically on Solingen blades and various European blades, the concept of which seems to have originated on hunting swords (Blackmore). These symbols became well known on trade blades often found on colonial swords such as kaskara and many others.
The absolutely beautiful and mysteriously etched sabre Glen posts here is a British M1796 stirrup hilt sabre of the form for light cavalry officers, but this one is clearly a yeomanry version. I have seen many of these types for yeomanry, often ivory grips and gilt hilt, the blades typically with military motif and devices blued and gilt. It is well known that British officers of these times had considerable latitude in thier fashion, actually Beau Brummel himself was for a short time an officer (I believe possibly 10th Hussars as he was a friend of the Prince of Wales).
The etchings on this blade (the sword itself would date c. 1805-20 I would think) would seem to strengthen the profound presence of Masonic brotherhood in military officers. While swords certainly followed certain accepted hilt patterns, the blade, and its markings would not be open to any particular scrutiny. I suppose much in the way a tattoo covered by a uniform still holds personal meaning to an individual, but remains unseen by others.
In "The American Fraternal Sword" (p.12) it is noted that in the 18th century military hangers and gentlemans smallswords were used by Masonic sentinels and in ritual degree work. As sword patterns were superceded, often the older swords found use as Tilers swords in lodges, and were held in high esteem as implements of war, and well placed in thier function in guarding the lodge and its proceedings.
It would not seem surprising that an officer such as in yeomanry, heavily engaged in social function and particularly lodge affairs, would have its blade etched accordingly. If called to duty, the fervently marked blade would certainly strengthen his valor temporally. This is of course the concept that has imbued sword blades with such markings and inscriptions from the earliest times.
It would be extremely important to discover if the origins of the multiple beads had other than British origin, and in what period the motif began. I have of course seen the single longish bead or device typically seen in the center of the knucklebow, and it does seem these occasionally have what does seem artistic embellishment. As far as I can recall, I have not seen accompanying features en suite on the crossguard and the device seems singular without specific purpose other than adding symmetry to the guard.
But then...who knows ?
All best regards,
Jim