IMHO, I think this sword has a damaged and repaired hilt. Even though it appears that the guard was made that way, I think it was broken long ago and left as is with the remaining guard as such. I've seen this hilt form before and it would have a reverse P type knuckle bow. The pommel appears to be a replacement. Not so sure about the guard. The blade looks good/original. I don't recognize the emblem, but cast brass emblems of this type found on all sorts of early-mid 19th c. blades, which I believe yours is. I don't think this one was dress/fraternal, but a re-worked piece. Because the repair was done contemporary with its use, I could see that this might have been a side-knife. If it's naval (?), I'm not familiar with the form per say. It would have to be a merchant/private purchase/put-together side arm for a sailor...
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