Rev War Finger Hole Short Sword

[murph21]

Hello again. Recent short sword purchase from estate sale via online auction here in Baltimore, MD. 18.5" overall with 13.5" blade. Assume Revolutionary War era due to the "homemade" simplicity and chunkiness of the hilt and lack of decoration other than simple scribed quillions. But maybe that is not correct? Cross guard and quillions are iron. Wooden handle with intermediate metal "washers" and simple copper cap. Blade style has that slight dip to it in middle. Has a letter "C' marked on blade with a barb (like a fish hook?) at top of the C. Wondering if anyone has seen this mark before? Also curious about the big finger ring/loop which is under the hilt. Is that an unusual location or size for it? (actually feels pretty comfortable to hold with finger thru it...plenty of room). Haven't seen anything similar to that ring in the Rev. period reference books I have. Maybe this is just a blacksmith one-off? Also came with a leather hilt with copper rivets, simple decorative stamping on one side, copper wire stitching on the other. Any thoughts on this one would be greatly appreciated!