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D2013-CMD. Sword
British iron-hilted infantry hanger
D2013-CMD. Sword

British iron-hilted infantry hanger

Date1770-1780
OriginEngland, Birmingham (probably)
MediumIron, steel, wood, leather, and copper
DimensionsOverall length: 30" Blade: 23 ¾" x 1 1/8" Hilt: 6 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number2012-166
DescriptionBritish Infantry Hanger

Label TextAlthough the carrying of infantry swords by privates and corporals was officially discontinued after 1768, such swords were still carried by serjeants and grenadiers during the American Revolution. With such a small percentage of the enlisted "Redcoats" equipped with them during the war, it is not surprising that few swords are represented in the archaeological record.

This distinctive short sword is identical to two relic hilts found in the 1920s at the site where the 17th Regiment of Foot camped on the northern tip of Manhattan during the late 1770s and early 1780s. Similar swords are seen on the grenadiers and the grenadier officer depicted in J.S. Copley's 1782-84 masterpiece "The Death of Major Pierson," attesting to the popularity of this type of hanger with these elite British soldiers during the Revolutionary period.

For an identical example, depicted alongside one of the relic hilts found in Manhattan, see "Don Troiani's Soldiers of the American Revolution," p. 37.


MarkingsUnderside of hilt at the quillon stamped "H" over "8."
Exhibition(s)