18th century British hanger by ElJay Erickson -- myArmoury.com

Chris Goerner

Although I have had this sword since July, I had not been able to post any photos of it because my digital camera was broken. Now that my camera is finally back up and running, I thought I would share a few shots of the sword ElJay made for me. It is a copy of a British hanger (probably a grenadier's sword) from around 1750. The photo of the original is from Neumann's Encyclopedia of the American Revolution.

The hilt is iron and very cleanly done. The grip (and ElJay does the best grips I've seen!) is grey rayskin bound by brass ropes with turks-head knots at each end. I had him forego the full leather liner, and opted for a leather base pad instead. ElJay dyed it black to match the scabbard.

The blade is one made by a Thai blacksmith that ElJay reshaped and added a fuller to. The blade is 25 1/4" long X 1 1/4" wide, which is a little shorter than the original, but well within the range for 18th century hangers.

One of the nice things about working with ElJay was his vast knowledge of how the originals are put together. For example, there are support bars that intersect the open hart design of the hilt's base. I had not noticed them in the photos of the original -- even now that I know they are there, they are difficult to see. Because of ElJay's experience with these weapons, he knew they were there and was able to incorporate them into the sword he made for me.

Another thing I appreciate about ElJay's work is he put as much attention to detail into the scabbard as he did the rest of the sword. The metal fittings are fantastic, and he tooled the front of the scabbard in a traditional pattern.

As many of you know, ElJay is a master craftsman, and a true gentleman to work with. I couldn't be happier with this hanger. Thanks, ElJay!

Roger Hooper · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 12:21 pm Post subject:

Now, that is really beautiful. Eljay is the Master of Hilts.

Shae Bishop · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 12:24 pm Post subject:

That's a beautiful sword Chris. I'm extremely interested in 17th/18th century miliatary swords and that is one of the nicest reproductions I have ever seen. The sharkskin grip and multiple bars really give it a classy, refined look. I would love to commission such a sword if my bare-bones sword budget would allow it.

Bill Grandy · myArmoury Team

Hey Chris,
Is that the same one I got to see last year at Bill Goodwin's party? If it is, then I can attest that it is not only a beautiful piece of art, but handles beautifully as well.

You should consider writing an official review, it's a gorgeous piece.

Chris Goerner · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 12:57 pm Post subject:

Yes, Bill, it is the same sword you got to see last summer right after I had received it. It has carved a few pumpkins since then Happy

Wish I had time to write an official review. It has taken me 9 months just to take pictures Eek!

Regards,
Chris

Sean Flynt · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 1:41 pm Post subject:

Gorgeous, as always!

Henrik Bjoern Boegh · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 2:08 pm Post subject:

Wow!
Lovely! ElJay's work is incredible, as allways Big Grin

Love the tooling on the scabbard. Is it all-leather or is there a woodcore?
It reminds me a bit of those grenadier basket-hilts as shown in some of Moriers work (think it was Morier..?).
You're a lucky man, Chris!

Cheers,
Henrik

Steve Grisetti · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 3:27 pm Post subject:

Beautiful hanger, Chris! Congratulations.

William Goodwin · Posted: Tue 07 Feb, 2006 4:26 pm Post subject:

Hey Chris!

Glad you where able to finally get around to this! It is a very fine looking & handling sword as Bill Grandy
has already mentioned. Just for giggles here is the beauty in action...oh Chris is in this shot too. Big Grin

Cheers,

Bill

Thomas McDonald · myArmoury Alumni

Beautiful sword you got there, Chris, congrats again !

Great work Eljay, Mac

M. Taylor · Posted: Wed 08 Feb, 2006 5:54 am Post subject:

Wow, Chris; that's gorgeous! Eljay's work continues to impress.

BTW, would one of you kind souls help cure my ignorance? Where did the 'hanger' get its name? Thanks.

Mark

Thomas Hoogendam · Posted: Wed 08 Feb, 2006 9:52 am Post subject:

Oh man, that's just stunning!!!! I love the scabbard too, really nice leatherwork.

This makes me long for my Eljay hilt even more!! Big Grin

Nathan Robinson · myArmoury Admin

What I enjoy most about ElJay's work is that it has the subtle shaping that creates the same "presentation" as an original antique. As Chris mentioned, ElJay's experience with originals is evident in all the work he creates. The value of this hands-on experience cannot be underemphasized.