Hmmm Capn, I think you may be onto something!!! Very nice!
I am so partial to solid, unobtrusive weapons like this, strictly business.
There are FEW experts on small swords, especially around here! As civilian weapons primarily, while following conventional form, there are many affectations and nuanced elements to identify most with any certainty.
It seems that blackened in this manner, your example might be one of the austere sorts that could have served in mourning capacity in the earlier years of the 18th c. Small swords were of course not typically blackened. That coarse black wire grip also seems to respond to Aylwards description, however this blade seems anything but 'cheap', and looks quite capable for use as required in defense.
The idea of this being American is tempting, but hard to say as the colonies, like the colonists were of course British. It seems that small swords were indeed preferred by naval officers, but these were typically with brass hilts. Possibly as often done with weapons facing harsh, damp environment they were 'japanned' (= painted black) but again with small swords they were already brass.
Remember Lt. Maynard in his famed encounter with Blackbeard, held a small sword which was now basically only the hilt, having been broken in the ensuing combat.
Nice, rustic example Capn!!! It serves well in your maritime collection, though it very well COULD be one of these intriguing mourning swords.
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