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D2005-CMD-300
British "Double S" hilted Hanger
D2005-CMD-300

British "Double S" hilted Hanger

Dateca.1740
Maker Samuel Harvey
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumIron, steel, & brass
DimensionsOverall: 33 1/2" Blade length: 27 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2005-126
DescriptionHilt: Iron half-quarter basket hilt composed of two large openwork panels, each containing a scrolling "S" bar, with a heart-shaped counterguard and lobed quillon below. Bun-shaped pommel with high capstan and a single twisted brass wire turk's head keeper loose on the blade tang (the rest of the original grip is missing).

Blade: Single edged curved, with a narrow fuller running along the spine and a false edge.
Label TextThe elite Grenadier company of each regiment, composed of stronger and taller men, was equipped with distinctive accouterments and uniforms. While the typical Redcoat carried a simple hanger, those carried by Grenadiers were usually basket-hilted, like this example. It’s well designed guard, composed of two “S” panels, offered protection for the soldier’s hand and made the pattern instantly recognizable in artwork dating back to the 1730s.
MarkingsBlade is marked "HARVEY" on both sides.