Constabulary short swords were standard issue in the 19th Century for members of the British police and prison wardens. This sword was made by Robert Mole of Birmingham.
The presence of a locking catch dates this hanger to post 1850. Around 1850, the locking catch was added after a number of incidents in which police officers and prison wardens had their swords snatched out of the scabbards and turned against them.
The 615mm broad, curved blade has a flat spine above a long single fuller on both sides. The fuller continues almost to the spear point. The blade is double-edged for the last 180mm. The blade is in very good condition with patches of pale tarnish.
The spine is stamped with the MOLE maker’s name.
The brass guard has a “D” shaped knuckle bow with disk quillon and stepped oval pommel through which the tang is peened. The mechanism to lock the sword in the scabbard is in good working order.
The contoured grip is in fair condition with small splits to the leather wrap. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with brass locket and chape. The leather of the scabbard is a very good replacement.
This is a good example of a scarce, Mole made 19th Century constabulary hanger.
