Hello Hotspur, I certainly agree that profile is 1796 LCS hilt, and the gentleman that owns the sword in the second picture felt it was a continental sword, but wasn't sure.
Hello Ian, from info on Old swords, it appears that Dawes may have had blades supplied by Thomas Gill, and where more of an assembler than cutler, so the hilt may well have come from Osborn and potentially commissioned for an Officer? But without being able to go through their books, we will never know. Original Dawes trooper wooden grips filled out like their leather counterparts.
I don't think there were rivet's in the ears originally, I have 1796 Officers LCS with the same ears but not riveted, I think the screws are done to secure it at a later date. Whatever it is or isn't it is a beautifully balanced 1796 LCS.
Thank you for your input everyone
