C.1800’s British Foot Artillery Sword

THIS IS AN INTERESTING SWORD and has aroused much controversy. It is sometimes described as a “Spanish” Hanger, because of its supposed introduction during the Peninsular Wars, although it is now thought that it was actually introduced during the 1820’s and carried by Foot Artillery Privates. It is difficult to corroborate this as none appear to display any regimental markings to artillery units but it is likely that an artillery designation is correct. What we do know is that British artillerymen did carry some kind of short hanger with a brass knucklebow during the early-mid-1800‘s. This is confirmed in a Parliamentary Select Committee report of 1855 which mentions the:

“…Spanish pattern hanger … worn by all gunners and drivers attached to field guns down to 1826“.

The sword was probably a very poor fighting weapon, the blade being far too long and unwieldy. It was no doubt viewed with complete disdain by the ordinary soldier who had the misfortune to carry it in the field.

The knucklebow was brass and D-shaped with a ribbed leather grip and the blade was straight, unfullered, flat-backed and with a spear point. It would have been carried in a leather and brass-mounted scabbard.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

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