Windlass infantry hanger -- myArmoury.com

Sean Flynt · Posted: Thu 11 Sep, 2003 7:10 am Post subject: Windlass infantry hanger

Does anybody have any experience with or knowledge of the model 1742 English infantry hanger now listed among the "new" items in MRL's online catalog? I've seen this piece in Atlanta Cutlery's catalog, but didn't realize until reviewing Peterson and other references that this weapon was in use LONG before the War of Independence, even well before its modern assigned model date. One of my Osprey Men At Arms books shows a very similar weapon in a ca. 1700 context.

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

It's always nice if you can do a bit of legwork and provide a photo or a link to the specific sword being discussed. I'm a bit confused as to which one you're referencing. Is this it?

#1-424 Hanger (top)

Sean Flynt · Posted: Thu 11 Sep, 2003 8:22 am Post subject:

Sorry, Nathan. Thanks for adding that photo. I didn't know how to link since all my MRL links dump into the main page.

Yep, that's the sword in question. The catalog copy makes a vague reference to Prussian use, and in fact the mid-century German infantry hangar is almost identical.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Thu 11 Sep, 2003 8:59 am Post subject:

Here are two English or German originals:

http://www.cottoneauctions.com/images/TomWnuc...angers.jpg

Grip materials varied. Cast brass and wire-wrapped wood seem to have been most common. "Model 1742" is a modern misnomer based on the appearence of the weapon in some English military publication of that year. H. Peterson is emphatic that it was in service much earlier, and that is what piques my interest in the weapon.

Sean Flynt · Posted: Tue 23 Sep, 2003 6:29 am Post subject:

I may be the only one interested in this, but I'll post an update on this replica anyway: The new Atlanta Cutlery catalog shows this hanger in a much higher resolution image that reveals a blade inscription. This appears to match the engraving honoring Frederick the Great on an identical hanger shown in plate E-69 of "Weapons of the American Revolution." So, although this replica is otherwise no different from some versions of the British model 1742, the inscription (and the simple scabbard?) make this a German weapon of approximately the same date. Interestingly, the AC catalog also offers a "Bunker Hill" sword (no image available online) that IS a model 1742 with the urn-shaped pommel variation and brass mounted scabbard. A similar model 1742 may be seen in Peterson's "Arms and Armor of Colonial America."

Eugene George · Posted: Tue 23 Sep, 2003 5:37 pm Post subject: