Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original American Revolutionary War-era hanger sword, featuring a distinctive fluted horn grip, brass pommel cap, and a slightly curved 29-inch blade with a narrow fuller running along most of its length. The sword is believed to be of early American manufacture and is consistent with patterns used by Continental soldiers during the Revolutionary War and the years immediately following American independence. Particularly noteworthy is the horn grip, which closely resembles the grip on a sword attributed to U.S. Naval Captain Charles Alexander during the Revolutionary War and preserved at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This example retains its original leather blade buffer, although the material has become fragile with age. The brass pommel cap exhibits a small amount of movement, and one end of the crossguard has broken away. Despite these condition issues, the sword remains a solid and representative example of early American military edged weapon construction.

A Hanger Sword is a bladed weapon that got its name from the manner in which it was hung on the belt of the person who used it. It could be made in large quantities, is not particularly expensive to do so, and was first used as a hunting weapon before being put to use in combat. The Hanger sword was a type of saber that was very short and mainly placed on the belts of its owners for convenience and ease of access, hence the name. It was a very simple sword that was practical and had many uses. Its versatility is the reason why there are many different types of it.

This example sports a 29” slightly curved blade with a single thin fuller on each side for about 80% of its length. The ricasso has a slightly brighter finish than the rest of the blade, with a later-added inscription to one side of the blade. 

The fluted horn grip is in great shape overall with some minor chipping along the top and bottom edges and some minor cracking in spots. The original leather blade buffer is intact, though it is rather weak, so exercise caution. The brass pommel cap is quite indicative of this period, and has a small bit of play. The overall length is 33 ⅝”.

This Revolutionary War-era hanger sword is an interesting example of the practical edged weapons associated with American military and civilian use during the late eighteenth century. Its fluted horn grip, brass pommel cap, narrow blade fullers, and surviving leather buffer are consistent with traditional hanger construction, while the resemblance to the sword associated with Captain Charles Alexander provides a useful point of period comparison. The broken guard terminal and other age-related defects are significant condition considerations, but the sword retains the principal elements of its original design. Its construction is consistent with the early American military sword traditions of the Revolutionary period.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 29” 
Overall length: 33 5/8”
Crossguard: 3 ¾”