I reached out to a few institutions with pictures. The general feedback was that the blade is a cut down sword blade, perhaps 18th century. The hilt is reminiscent of dirks of the late 18th Century/early 19th century. Feedback was couched as limited to pictures provided.
I have attached other image of the "71", along with a confirmed "71" on a musket butt plate. Am I missing something or do the respective "71" appear very similar to each other?
Perhaps this was a "field made" dirk but here in America?
Appreciate any further comments.
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