Infantry Hanger

Date1700s

Mediumsteel and cast brass

Dimensions73.7 × 58.4 cm (29 × 23 in.), 1 lb, 10 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsFace of base plate engraved with 2 groups of markings; (obverse lobe) "H-R-D-20" which has been stricken through & (reverse lobe) "15.B.-B.32.". Both probably unit idenification marks when in service.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.330.1

DescriptionGently curved single edge steel triangular section blade becoming elliptical to point. Flat back. Cast brass hilt with heart-shaped baseplate having raised molded edge & short rear quillon sharply turned to back of blade with heavily roped terminal.

Knuckle guard of oval section plugging into base of inverted egg-shaped pommel with large rounded button with short base below. Cast brass spiraled grip of 2 halves.
Label TextCurved swords were used in Europe well before the arrival of the saber in the late 1600s. Descendants of the Viking Age sax were carried as sidearms by late medieval footsoldiers, eventually becoming the short, curved "hanger" used by infantrymen after 1500. Such weapons were still being carried at the time of the American Revolution, but had lost their practical importance with the development of the bayonet in the late 1600s. By 1800, infantry swords were disappearing from the European battlefield. This utilitarian piece was probably carried by an Austrian infantryman. It bears inscribed marks that identified the unit to which he belonged. ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria purchased by John W. Higgins on March 1, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their no. 5. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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