This is a German Infantry Sword from the year 1795. It was patterned after the 1760-70 French Infantry Hanger and its brass hilt was hastily produced in response to Napoleon's imminent threat. The 23 1/8” blade retains virtually 100% original bright polish. Perhaps a German state infantryman's favourite sidearm during the Napoleonic Wars.

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You know, I've always sort of wondered about the all-brass hilts of some of the swords of this period. Are they constructed in several sections? Are they hollow or solid? How does it affect the weight and balance of the sword? :?:

IIRC, at least some of the late 17th/early 18th c. German/English hanger hilts were two-part cast brass (grip and guard). Some variants had wire-over-wood grips. For those interested in such things, George Neumann's classic book Swords and Blades of the American Revolution is essential. Here's what he had to say about 18th c. construction (I forget if this refers mainly to hangers):

"Contemporary manufacture normally began with a cast steel bar which was cut into two lengths, each of which would make two blades. After being fed through waterpowered rolling mills which pressed them to the desired shape and size, they were ground by large stone wheels, tempered by warm oil or water, and struck by hardwood blocks for testing. Before being finished by a polisher, the blade had a soft iron tang welded to its upper end. For assembly of the hilt, the components had hollow centers and were simply compiled one above the other on the thin tang. When complete, the tang's end was hammered down like a rivet head, or threaded for a screw-on cap (52). "

Such mass production explains the commonness of the type and relatively low price in the modern marketplace. But wait a decade or two....

I sometimes wish I'd kept my Windlass German hanger. That was one of the best pieces I've ever seen from the company. :(

Thanks, Sean. The later briquets that were used in France and the German states tended to be one piece, but two+ piece construction is certainly common for earlier hangers. Just to clarify, not all hangers are common, but 19th century briquets are quite common and can be found for $200-$300 on dealer sites.

Jonathan

I agree that the military hangars and briquets of the 1700s (and early 1800s) would make for a nice study which has yet to be undertaken and published by anyone in any detail. Compared to other swords of the same era the prices are still relatively reasonable for now. I have noticed over the years quite a lot of variability in thickness of the blades and curvature (and hence weight) on these swords. Plus there are multiple centers of manufacture. Would make for a great book for someone who wanted to specialize in studying them!

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!

Sean, are you thinking of having this type of sword? I would like to know.

Sean,
Do the Model 1742 hangers like you mentioned similar to this German Infantry Sword? I am curious about this one.

Shahril,
The "model 1742" hanger is different (it is not an official pattern, therefore the quotes):

Here is an antique available through Paul Ambrose:

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Here is a replica available through William Booth Draper:

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Jonathan, so that is how your Model 1742 Hanger looks like. Now I get it. This one dates from the French & Indian Wars.
This is a Swiss Infantry Hanger dating from 1790. It is similar to the French and German Infantry Hangers that I posted before. Its hilt is identical with both swords and varies in detail from the maker as do all these. The hilt is excellent with good patina and few minor bruises. 26 1/2” curved single-edged blade crisply etched with foliage and military trophies both sides and maker’s name, D. Girtanner in St. Gallen on the right side. The sword's blade shows smooth dark patina with a little scattered old black oxidation. Decoration crisp. No scabbard.
Suggestions, anyone?

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