French Hanger
This better quality specimen was probably used by a noncom or officer, but it still bears the large military fleur-de-lis stamp on both faces of the blade. The brass is embellished with raised 18th century designs, including a military panoply of arms on the shell guard, while the tapering wooden grip has vertical fluting covering its full circumference. A typical straight single-edged blade bears a 1/4" X 15 3/4" fuller and a 4 1/2" false edge.
Length: 28 1/4"
Blade: 23 1/4" X 1 1/16"
Weight: 0.9 lb.
Hilt: Brass.
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 83. (65.S)
c. 1720-1750
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 271
English Hanger
This grenadier's grid pattern creates a surprisingly sturdy hilt. The red wool liner, backed by thin buckskin, remains, but may be a later addition. Its guard opens at the base to form three areas into which project open iron hearts. The antler grip appears to be original, and a flat circular ring secures the top elements of the hilt under the ovoid pommel in typical fashion. Its slightly curving one-edged blade includes the common back fuller. (1/4" X 22").
Length: 34 3/8"
Blade: 28 3/8" x 1 1/4"
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Hilt: Iron
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 71. (29.S)
c. 1750-1765
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 227
English Hanger Model 1742
Sword
Infantry swords of this pattern are called Model 1742 because they are shown in illustrations of that date prepared for the Duke of Cumberland. It was probably in use for some years prior to that time. Several variations are known. This type has a brass hilt cast in two pieces (grip plus pommel; knuckle bow plus counterguard). A simple knuckle bow spreads into a heart-shaped counterguard with a raised border and center ridge. Its curved single-edged blade bears marks of Germanic origin.
Length: 29"
Blade: 23 1/4"
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Hilt: Brass
George C. Neumann, <em>The History of Weapons of the American Revolution</em>, (New York: Bonanza Books, 1967), 218. (S.2)
c. 1742
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 218
French Hanger
Sword
The design of this example is plainer, but it mounts a heavier curved blade and a fighting man's thumb ring. The white bone grip has spiraling grooves through which pass a single twisted copper wire rope. A true flat cap serves as the pommel. The original base ferrule at the other end has been lost. Its smallish cast brass shell guard slopes out away from the hilt more than usual, and the blade's fuller measures 3/16" x 17". A false edge is 4" in length.
Length: 29 1/4"
Blade: 25" X 1 1/8"
Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Hilt: Brass
George C. Neumann, "<em>Swords and Blades of the American Revolution,"</em> (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 83. (66.S)
c. 1710-1740
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 272