Colonial American Blacksmith-Made Hanger Short Sword | Circa 1700 – 1775
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Colonial North America, attributed American
Material: Forged steel blade, wrought-iron hilt, and hardwood grip
Period: Colonial period, probably 18th century, circa 1700–1775
Description
This unusual early sidearm is best identified as a vernacular blacksmith-made hanger or short backsword, attributed to Colonial North America during the 18th century.
The weapon is constructed around a broad, single-edged steel blade measuring approximately 18 3/4 inches long. The blade remains nearly straight through most of its length before narrowing into a long, asymmetrical point. Its comparatively short length, wide cutting surface, and substantial proportions would have created a compact but effective close-quarters weapon.
The blade is undecorated and displays no presently visible maker’s marks, inscriptions, fullers, or military acceptance stamps. Its irregular surfaces and subtle forging marks suggest individual manufacture rather than standardized production by an established military contractor.
The hilt is equally utilitarian. A simple wrought-iron crossguard extends to form short, downturned quillons, while one side rises into a tall D-shaped knuckle bow protecting the hand. The knuckle bow terminates against a plain iron pommel cap at the top of the grip.
The elongated hardwood grip has been individually shaped into a slightly tapered, faceted form. A broad iron ferrule surrounds its base and reinforces the junction between the grip and guard. Extensive historic insect damage and surface loss expose portions of the grip’s interior construction.
Its lack of ornamentation, heavy materials, and direct method of construction suggest a practical working weapon made for utility rather than ceremony or display.
Features
- Broad single-edged forged steel blade
- Long asymmetrical cutting point
- Plain blade without visible maker’s marks or decoration
- Hand-forged wrought-iron guard
- Tall D-shaped knuckle bow
- Short downturned quillons
- Iron grip ferrule and simple pommel cap
- Individually shaped hardwood grip
- Irregular forging and tooling marks
- Compact proportions suited to close-quarters use
- Dark, naturally aged surfaces throughout
Cultural Significance
Hangers were compact swords carried throughout Europe and Colonial North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Depending upon their form and circumstances, they could serve as military sidearms, hunting weapons, naval cutlasses, or general defensive weapons.
In colonial communities, standardized military equipment was not always readily available. Local blacksmiths and cutlers consequently manufactured, repaired, and assembled weapons using available materials. Some incorporated imported European blades, while others employed locally forged blades or repurposed pieces of steel.
This example’s broad blade, simple iron hand protection, and unembellished wooden grip reflect that practical tradition. Its construction prioritizes durability and ease of manufacture over symmetry or decorative refinement.
Condition
The sword survives in fair condition considering its considerable age and vernacular construction.
The blade remains substantially complete and retains a strong overall profile. Its surfaces display extensive dark patination, oxidation, scattered pitting, abrasions, forging irregularities, and small edge imperfections. The point shows wear and slight rounding. No scabbard is present.
The wrought-iron guard, quillons, ferrule, knuckle bow, and pommel cap exhibit oxidation, pitting, surface wear, and minor distortion consistent with age and use.
The hardwood grip has substantial historic insect or worm damage, including numerous bore holes, deep cavities, splitting, cracking, and areas of material loss. Losses are particularly pronounced near the pommel and along one face of the grip. The surface appears to have received an old dark coating or consolidating treatment.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Blade Length: 18.75 in
Overall Length: 23.5 in
Age (Approximate)
250–325 years old
Provenance
From a private collection in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.
Subsequently handled by New Hampshire Auctions & Appraisals LLC of Goffstown, an established regional auction house specializing in fine art, antiques, historic arms, militaria, and important collectibles.
The sword later entered a well-known private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Discover a documented American-made hanger carried during the Revolutionary War by Massachusetts minute man James Taylor in the collection of the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati
Explore our Collection of Arms & Armour
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Colonial North America, attributed American
Material: Forged steel blade, wrought-iron hilt, and hardwood grip
Period: Colonial period, probably 18th century, circa 1700–1775
Description
This unusual early sidearm is best identified as a vernacular blacksmith-made hanger or short backsword, attributed to Colonial North America during the 18th century.
The weapon is constructed around a broad, single-edged steel blade measuring approximately 18 3/4 inches long. The blade remains nearly straight through most of its length before narrowing into a long, asymmetrical point. Its comparatively short length, wide cutting surface, and substantial proportions would have created a compact but effective close-quarters weapon.
The blade is undecorated and displays no presently visible maker’s marks, inscriptions, fullers, or military acceptance stamps. Its irregular surfaces and subtle forging marks suggest individual manufacture rather than standardized production by an established military contractor.
The hilt is equally utilitarian. A simple wrought-iron crossguard extends to form short, downturned quillons, while one side rises into a tall D-shaped knuckle bow protecting the hand. The knuckle bow terminates against a plain iron pommel cap at the top of the grip.
The elongated hardwood grip has been individually shaped into a slightly tapered, faceted form. A broad iron ferrule surrounds its base and reinforces the junction between the grip and guard. Extensive historic insect damage and surface loss expose portions of the grip’s interior construction.
Its lack of ornamentation, heavy materials, and direct method of construction suggest a practical working weapon made for utility rather than ceremony or display.
Features
- Broad single-edged forged steel blade
- Long asymmetrical cutting point
- Plain blade without visible maker’s marks or decoration
- Hand-forged wrought-iron guard
- Tall D-shaped knuckle bow
- Short downturned quillons
- Iron grip ferrule and simple pommel cap
- Individually shaped hardwood grip
- Irregular forging and tooling marks
- Compact proportions suited to close-quarters use
- Dark, naturally aged surfaces throughout
Cultural Significance
Hangers were compact swords carried throughout Europe and Colonial North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Depending upon their form and circumstances, they could serve as military sidearms, hunting weapons, naval cutlasses, or general defensive weapons.
In colonial communities, standardized military equipment was not always readily available. Local blacksmiths and cutlers consequently manufactured, repaired, and assembled weapons using available materials. Some incorporated imported European blades, while others employed locally forged blades or repurposed pieces of steel.
This example’s broad blade, simple iron hand protection, and unembellished wooden grip reflect that practical tradition. Its construction prioritizes durability and ease of manufacture over symmetry or decorative refinement.
Condition
The sword survives in fair condition considering its considerable age and vernacular construction.
The blade remains substantially complete and retains a strong overall profile. Its surfaces display extensive dark patination, oxidation, scattered pitting, abrasions, forging irregularities, and small edge imperfections. The point shows wear and slight rounding. No scabbard is present.
The wrought-iron guard, quillons, ferrule, knuckle bow, and pommel cap exhibit oxidation, pitting, surface wear, and minor distortion consistent with age and use.
The hardwood grip has substantial historic insect or worm damage, including numerous bore holes, deep cavities, splitting, cracking, and areas of material loss. Losses are particularly pronounced near the pommel and along one face of the grip. The surface appears to have received an old dark coating or consolidating treatment.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Blade Length: 18.75 in
Overall Length: 23.5 in
Age (Approximate)
250–325 years old
Provenance
From a private collection in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.
Subsequently handled by New Hampshire Auctions & Appraisals LLC of Goffstown, an established regional auction house specializing in fine art, antiques, historic arms, militaria, and important collectibles.
The sword later entered a well-known private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Discover a documented American-made hanger carried during the Revolutionary War by Massachusetts minute man James Taylor in the collection of the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati
Explore our Collection of Arms & Armour
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