This rare hanger was used in the late Napoleonic period by both Customs and Coastguard (the latter being part of the navy). It was re-issued as the Army Hospital Corps sword of the Crimean War, so would have seen extensive use, the idea being that stretcher bearers would have some means of defence.
The sword has its scabbard and original frog (the latter in a bit battered and with a leather patch repair, but essentially complete). The hilt has the brass two-branch guard which started as a pattern for the dockyard guards of the early 19th century. There is some verdigris damage on the hilt at the junction of the sidebar to the base of the guard. The blade, somewhat scruffy through wear and tear, with age patination at the business end, is slightly curved and measures 27". The blade mark, typical of the Napoleonic wars, shows the crown and broad arrow mark of the Ordnance. This mark is given in Howard Blackmoor's book on British military firearms as dating from 1841, but personally I feel it was in use much earlier than this.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 19th Century]
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