Swords from the early 18th Century pre-date the adoption of regulation patterns by the British military but that is not to say that swords of a certain design or pattern were not adopted as the standard weapons for use by British troops.
This 1740 “Pattern” infantry hanger is one such example. This style of sword was used by the British infantry of the period and had a long service life, seeing action in the last battle fought on the British mainland, the Battle of Culloden in 1747 and also abroad in the French and Indian War of 1754-1763 and American War for Independence, 1775-1783.
The 692mm single-edged blade has a flat spine above a single narrow fuller that runs for approximately 520mm of its length. The blade is double-edged for the last 120mm and terminates in a slightly a-symmetrical spear point. The base of the blade is stamped with a Tower inspection mark, a crowned number 4.
The blade is in overall great condition for its 250 plus years of age and use. The steel is free of rust and has a pleasant patina with patches of darker tarnish and small areas of very shallow pitting. The blade retains its fighting edge with a nick towards the point consistent with service use.
The heart-shaped brass guard has a comma-like quillon and raised borders fore and aft with a medial ridge that continues to the knuckle bow. The grip has a brass collar with herringbone brass wire wrap and a solid brass urn-shaped pommel through which the tang is peened. The hilt is all tight and strong and the blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its rare and original leather scabbard with a brass frog hook. The leather is in good condition with crazing to the finish consistent with age. The leather remains strong and supple and the stitching is intact and tight. The bottom of the scabbard is reinforced with a thicker leather chape which is original to the scabbard. The front of the scabbard is decorated with a pattern of lines, crosses and dots. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent and rare example of a mid-18th Century British infantry hanger.
