English C.1750 Infantryman's Military Hanger Sword

English C.1750 Infantryman’s Military Hanger Sword

This is a rare English mid-18th Century infantryman’s hanger that would have been issued to regular troops. It is sometimes thought that this style of hanger was only intended for hunting use but this is not true as these hangers were purchased by regimental colonels who then issued them to their troops. This is definitely a military hanger as evidenced by the fact that the blade is deeply stamped with a GR royal cypher and crown, indicating military rather than civilian issue. The hilt comprises a fluted brass shell guard and D-guard knucklebow. The grip is of simple, wooden tubular profile. The pommel is oval with prominent raised tang button. The blade is single-fullered and curved towards the point. An almost identical example can be see in George Neumann’s Swords and Blades of the American Revolution – see images below. These hangers were commonly carried by British soldiers throughout the American Revolutionary War.