[Bryan.H]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

I would guess early to mid-19th as well. Grooved ebony and fluted ivory grips were popular c. 1780-1820's (see naval dirks from the latter period). The hilt pattern is usually more seen on either non-military or dress type swords of the period (band swords, fraternal or officer's dress, Thin Red Line's excellent example of a Scottish claymore with the basket removed and the 'dress hilt' in place, etc.

Just a note-With the Scottish dress hilt, that particular sword had a screw nut at the pommel, allowing the basket to be removed and the cruciform hilt to be put in place. Your hilt seems more permanent, with the peened pommel cap. What's throwing me is the blade on yours, which is, as you pointed out, functional. Perhaps the hilt was replaced, again as you suspected.

Question- what is the stamp on the blade? Maybe if we knew more about the maker, country of origin, etc, we might glean more?

Here's a better close-up of the marking.