Help with a Cutlass

[Phantomfixer]

Here is the story, this cutlass has been on a mantle since the late 60s. I know this to be true, it is my grandmothers house. No one in the family knows where it came from. My grandfather passed away years ago. My uncle has had it looked at, with no definitive results, He thinks it is pre Civil War. From tip to tip it is 31 1/4 inches long. The handle from rivit base to blade is 5 3/8s inches long. No markings clearly stand out. On the top of the hand guard is a stamp, kinda, looks like maybe a shield??? The handle looks to be an antler, the rivit is interesting..
Thanks for looking and any knowledge, mods, if this should be posted elsewhere please move,
John

 

[Yeps]

I have no clue about it, but that is really cool.

 

[DeaconKC]

Get hold of Marysdad at www.surplusrifleforum.com he runs our sword/bayonet section.

 

[Phantomfixer]

Thanks guys and thanks for the lead!