Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a wonderfully untouched British mid-18th century monster head mounted saber or hanger, dating to approximately circa 1765, with a brass stirrup hilt, twisted brown horn grip, and a heavily oxidized double-fullered blade. Monster head pommels were used on British swords and hangers from the late 17th century into the 18th century, and surviving examples can range from relatively crude castings to much more finely detailed work. This example has the unmistakable look of a true “barn find,” with the blade exhibiting extreme oxidation and pitting while the brass hilt has survived remarkably well.

The hilt is a classic stirrup-style form constructed of brass.

The grip is made from twisted brown horn and remains largely intact, though there is visible cracking from age and long-term drying.

At the pommel is the distinctive monster head, a stylized creature form commonly encountered on British swords and hangers of the 18th century.

The casting is somewhat crude, but the overall form and detail are entirely consistent with period manufacture.

Please note that the monster head pommel is loose and can be removed from the sword.

It still fits correctly into place and is not excessively wobbly when seated, so the sword displays well as-is.

It could be stabilized with an appropriate conservation repair if desired, but we have left it untouched.

Care should be taken when handling the sword so the pommel is not accidentally dislodged.

The blade measures approximately 25 7/8" and is in extremely oxidized condition.

The original bright finish is completely gone.

There is extensive deep pitting throughout, and any original blade decoration or engraving that may once have been present is no longer discernible.

Despite the severe surface deterioration, the blade remains tight to the hilt.

One of the most interesting surviving blade features is the double fuller running along both sides.

These fullers remain visible despite the heavy oxidation and give the blade a very distinctive mid-18th century appearance.

The brass hilt has survived in much better condition than the blade.

There is no significant crushing, denting, or major structural damage evident.

The contrast between the relatively well-preserved brass mounts and the heavily corroded blade gives this piece the look of an item that spent many decades in uncontrolled storage.

Monster head mounted hangers and sabers are strongly associated with British military and maritime sword traditions of the 18th century, though they were also used more broadly as privately purchased sidearms.

Because this example has no visible maker mark, ownership inscription, unit identification, or surviving provenance, we would avoid assigning it to a specific officer, regiment, ship, or campaign.

Its form is entirely appropriate to the American Revolutionary War era, but there is no evidence establishing that this individual sword was actually carried during the Revolutionary War.

For the collector, the appeal of this example is its untouched character.

The brass monster head pommel, stirrup hilt, twisted horn grip, surviving double fullers, and heavily oxidized barn-find blade combine to create a sword with tremendous period atmosphere.

The loose pommel, grip cracking, extensive blade pitting, and complete loss of original blade finish are fully disclosed.

It would make an excellent addition to a British 18th century edged weapon, Revolutionary War era, naval or military hanger, monster head hilt, or advanced antique sword collection.

Approximate Dimensions:

Blade Length: 25 7/8"
Overall Length: 31⅝“