Thanks for the responses.
Yes, there was several house sites where this was found, but also lots of civil war relics including some artillery shells. Lots of things from several historic periods.
As relic hunters, the odds are many times tossed out the window. That's why we have this forum to go to.
I showed this piece to a local antiques dealer and he told me a theatrical sword. He may be wrong or right, who knows. But at least it creates discussion.
Thanks for everyone's input. I'll just stick this in my box of "what is its"