Hi Mark
I have been kinda waiting to see if Jasper would respond as I think this sabre is likely from his neck of the woods, that is it is probably Dutch or German and seems of course 18th century. To me the thumb ring signals those origins as that feature was much favored by them.
The hilt itself is in the form with the cross over hand guard bar which seems widely used in these regions on arming swords and hangers out of the 'walloon' groups.
It seems that of course, these kinds of swords would easily find their way into maritime situations as the Low Countries were prime suppliers of weaponry internationally. They were the export ports for blades from Solingen, as well as swords which were assembled in those regions. With the extensive trade networks and shipping these kinds of swords were likely among goods captured by privateers and pirates.
The blade character itself and especially the 'Roman' figure (Caesar ?) in inscribed motif seems of the neoclassic themes of the 18th century which appeared on material culture as well as blades.
I think perhaps the Neumann book might have similar examples (still trying to find and excavate my copy here in the bookmobile!).
While we cannot be sure if this is a maritime context weapon, the term cutlass is of course extremely loosely used in many cases of description implying that situation. It is like the dreaded 'name game' in ethnographic arms where terms for sword types are often completely confusing in studying them.
In any case, fascinating 18th century sword (always loved the thumb rings) which looks like it has great stories to tell us!
