As I researched the correct blade from photos of originals, I found that Governor Patrick Henry had commissioned swords with model 1767 hilts for Virginia troops. There was a "Virginia Grenadier" sword with a 26 1/2" unfullered blade, and an artillery version that had a somewhat shorter blade. Interestingly, both versions of the sword had blades with a yelman tip.
The swords were issued to Virginia Militia troops in 1780 as the war came to the south in earnest. It is unknown who exactly these swords were issued to. By this time, private soldiers were not issued swords. It may have been that they were issued to sergeants or even officers. One article I read mentioned a Virginia Militia artillery officer captured at the battle of Guilford Courthouse wearing one of the French made swords.
I contacted G. Gedney Godwin to see if I could purchase one of their unfullered blades from them. Drew was very obliging, and I received my bare blade and scabbard last week. I needed to shorten the blade to the 26 1/2" length, reshape the tang to fit the curve of the hilt, and re-thread the tang. Below are photos of the end result.
The sword is not a perfect reproduction of the Virginia Grenadier hangers. As mentioned, my hilt was cast in one piece, while the originals were cast in two. Also, my blade lacks the yelman and engraving that the originals had. But for a $220 investment, I am more than please with the final result.
I am most impressed with the feel of the hilt. I have owned swords of higher quality (and much higher price) but none have felt as good in the hand as this one.
If anyone else has a model 1767 hanger, original or reproduction, I would love to see photos and hear your thoughts on this weapon.
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Attachment: 151.54 KBAnd one with my British 1751 hanger, also a Godwin reproduction and of the same vintage. [ Download ]
