Hand forged laminated mild steel or iron spine and tang with a hard 'cast steel '(melted shear steel) edge. Blade saw some rust and has some pitting left after cleaning but otherwise is in great shape especially the turned wood handle which is free from cracks or issues. Blade has a fresh edge. 

It is a little difficult fo rme to accurately date this one but the Serif type on the markings suggest 19th c production, and the handle looks to be Chestnut which had a devasting blight across the USA in the early 20th century so safe to say it is pre-1905  at the very latest.