Excellent follow up there detective David!!!! Looks like Jeff's German based organization idea was well placed. It looks like the German imported blade combined with hilt components from sundry stocks from regalia outfitters and producers put together for this apparant organization of German American representation, is quite plausible. Since we know of at least one more example with this inscription and basic style, we know of the group in Columbus. Ohio in the 1890's. Key manufacturers based in Kalamazoo,Mich. Frank Henderson not unreasonably far away.
As mentioned, how it ended up at a riverbank in Maryland is anybody's guess. If the find location was near what is or what was a picnic or camping area, certainly events sponsored by or participated in by such groups in that time period seem possible.
In more wildly speculative thoughts, perhaps kids playing with grandpas old sword near the location ? Fearful thought, but not that it ever happened
none of us would ever have thought of such antics
Jeff and David, thank you so much for helping with this, and its always great hearing from you guys!!! Jeff, I hope it lets up a little bit on you soon.
All the best,
Jim