Probably Revolutionary War or possibly earlier. Blacksmith made with long thin blade with acutely angled point. The root of the blade clearly shows the forged folds which reduced the width and formed the tang which extends through the wood grip (large shallow splinter to the left side). See American Primitive Knives, Minnis, #3 and #4 which he characterizes as classic early American belt knives. This example is distinguished by the forging of the tang, present in neither of those examples. The simplicity of these weapons makes accurate dating virtually impossible. However, this example certainly represent the American belt knife in is most basic (primitive) form and could well date to the mid 18th century.
