German Hanger -- myArmoury.com

Sean Flynt · Posted: Fri 27 Feb, 2004 9:24 am Post subject: German Hanger

Now that I know how to antique the brass, I've ordered one of these as a project sword (actually, ALL my swords are project swords). I have some good references for authentic hangers of this type, and would be happy to provide a detailed review of the replica if anybody's interested. I'd like to gauge interest before writing, though. Is this something y'all would want to read about?

Joe Fults · Posted: Fri 27 Feb, 2004 12:55 pm Post subject:

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 01 Mar, 2004 12:48 pm Post subject:

Looks like it's just us, Joe. I'll review the piece informally, albeit in detail, and post it on the forum rather than propose a formal article to Nathan. Keep an eye on the forum. I should have something up here in a week or two.
Thanks for the response!
-Sean

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

Nope. Not just you two. I'm interested, too. I've been getting a lot of email messages asking about this era/type of weapon.. so I know there's interest out there.

Joel Chesser · Posted: Mon 01 Mar, 2004 12:56 pm Post subject:

i id like to read a review?
by the way thats an MRL right?

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 01 Mar, 2004 1:36 pm Post subject:

Great! I'll work on a brief, informal-ish review that'll also provide a basic background on the weapon type. That should work fine either as a forum post or as a short review article if Nathan would like to use it that way (perhaps with a few more historical images).

Yes, this is a Windlass Steelcrafts piece sold by MRL and formerly by Atlanta Cutlery (AC seems to have replaced it with a less elegant Brit. Model 1742 with urn-shaped pommel). I have high hopes for this inexpensive replica, but we'll see...

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Mon 01 Mar, 2004 1:40 pm Post subject:

Hi Sean,

Count me in, I'd like to see how it turns out. As well your opinion of the reproduction

I've seen quite a few brass hilted German & British 18th century hangers. They're cool little swords. The all brass hilts tend to put all the weight in the hand. I almost bought one not too long ago. It still had its original scabbard, it was in great overall shape minus a few minor spots of pitting. (it was identical to the example below) Alas, I ended up buying a more unique hanger instead. Wink

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 01 Mar, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Stephen!

Oh, I'd much rather have that sweet hanger you bought! In fact, I contemplated getting this replica and drastically modifying the hilt to make either something similar to yours or something more appropriate for the 17th century. Might not be too difficult with a cutt-off wheel and files. I decided I like the mil-spec hanger, too, and in any case my Dremel tool is kaput.

Do you happen to know the POB of the hanger you examined? Neumann and other sources are great for weights and some dimensions, but don't offer that important statistic.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Tue 02 Mar, 2004 6:57 am Post subject:

Rats! It's backordered. I've had bad luck wih backordered items from India. I waited months and months for a Deepeeka Pugio from Albion before they felt so bad about the delay that they tracked down a Pugio AT ANOTHER VENDOR and helped me buy it (can't beat that kind of service!). Before that I waited many months for a dagger from MRL. I orginally ordered this hanger from MRL back in January but cancelled the order because it would have to be backordered. Now I order from MRL in March and it STILL has to be backordered. By-the-sword.com notes that backordered items are slow in coming due to more rigorous customs inspections. I guess arms shipments from India raise some sort of red flag these days ;-/

I guess I'm spoiled because in-stock MRL items usually get to me within a few days. Some of y'all are on years-long waiting lists for custom items...

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Tue 02 Mar, 2004 3:00 pm Post subject:

Hi Sean,

"Oh, I'd much rather have that sweet hanger you bought!"
Laughing Out Loud

At the moment, my hangers are at Albion waiting to be documented.

"Do you happen to know the POB of the hanger you examined?"
I really hate to guess, the p.o.b. on the hanger was pretty close, within 1 1/2" of the hilt. The pommel on the German hanger is much larger than those found on British models, which adds to the weight, also the blade had a decent amount of distal taper which made it lively in the hand.

"Neumann and other sources are great for weights and some dimensions, but don't offer that important statistic."
I agree, next time I'm able to go to the next show I'll take some measurements and notes on the antiques that I handle. The large shows that I usually go to (generally 3,000 tables of antique firearms & edged weapons) in Louisville, KY have been occurring on National Guard drill weekends. How convenient. lol

Roger Hooper · Posted: Tue 02 Mar, 2004 3:29 pm Post subject:

Can we persuade Arms and Armor to make a hanger?

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Tue 02 Mar, 2004 4:04 pm Post subject:

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Tue 02 Mar, 2004 4:11 pm Post subject:

or like these English hangers/hunting swords

Sean Flynt · Posted: Wed 03 Mar, 2004 7:03 am Post subject:

Original 18th c. military hangers can be had for under well under $1,000, so it's probably not worth reproducing those, but I'd love to see Albion or A&A make a Hounslow hanger !

Roger Hooper · Posted: Wed 03 Mar, 2004 7:29 am Post subject:

Here are some other original hangers for A&A to consider for recreation -

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 15 Mar, 2004 8:58 am Post subject:

My hanger arrived just in time for my birthday! I'm very pleased. MRL didn't charge me as much as their catalog indicated. Just $100, including shipping (no discount). The antiquing and review processes are underway.
My initial report is that this is not only the least expensive Windlass item in my collection, but also the most historically accurate. I reserve the right to ammend that statement as I get in the details of documentation. I have yet to weigh the piece, for example. I'm pleased so far, though.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 15 Mar, 2004 12:25 pm Post subject:

FYI: It closely matches this hanger, from W. Moore's Weapons of the American Revolution (1967). Both sides of the replica blade feature deeply and cleanly etched copies of what you see on this original- the monogram of Frederick the Great along with crown and floral motif.

Chris Holzman · Posted: Mon 15 Mar, 2004 8:25 pm Post subject:

Stephen A. Fisher · Posted: Mon 15 Mar, 2004 10:50 pm Post subject:

Sean Flynt · Posted: Mon 22 Mar, 2004 7:58 am Post subject:

Here's the result of the antiquing:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=1278