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D2006-CMD-633
British Antler and Brass Hilted Hanger
D2006-CMD-633

British Antler and Brass Hilted Hanger

Date1690-1710
OriginEngland
MediumIron, steel, cast brass, and antler
DimensionsOverall; 25 5/8", Blade: 20 1/8" x 1 1/4", Hilt: 5 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2006-20
DescriptionOf common hunting sword & hanger form of the period, the pommel, knucklebow- counterguard and ferrile are of brass, and the grip is of natural staghorn. The flared, domed pommel is cast with a band near the bottom edge while the cap is cast with 4 facing gorgon heads interspaced with 4 floral sprigs amidst a matted panel. A gryphon's head forms the knucklebow terminus at the pommel and a tropy of arms composed of a cuirass & quivers, etc... is cast into the midpoint of said component. Its counterguard is formed of an outboard kidney-shaped shell guard connected to the knucklebow by a short branch while the quillon is cast on both sides with a facing lion mask & foliage. Cast into the shell guard is a male classical figure amid foliage in the central panel. A reclinging figure holding a shepher's crook appears on the central point of the guard's outer edge. The unfullered blade is slightly curved with a short false edge and slightly concave faces.
Label TextThese hangers are known to have been imported into the Colonies in large numbers and fragments of similar swords have been excavated from Native American and European sites from New England to the Gulf Coast. Remnants of such a sword was recovered from the wreck of the Blackbeard's pirate flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, which sunk near Beaufort, North Carolina in 1718.



MarkingsBlade marked on both faces with a stamp resembling a heart topped by a fleur-de-lis.