Capn,
In accord with post #14, it appears this shell guard hilt style is English c.1750 as per Nuemann (1973, p.83, 64.S).
It would seem this is virtually the same hilt form which likely circulated for some time, and seems favored for refurbishing cutlasses as might well be the case in supplying privateers and private merchant vessels.
While the shell is well known on many espada anchas, the theme is of course widely used on European hangers, including those regarded as cutlasses.
I have started a new thread with this cutlass today.
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