The 1751 pattern of British hanger sword succeeded the earlier 1742 pattern and was issued to British soldiers during the Seven Years War and to both sides during the American Revolutionary Wars if Independence. It was taken out of regular army service towards the close of the 18th century and re-issued to Militia regiments instead.
I have for sale a fine 1751 pattern, British infantry hanger sword, the blade of which is marked near to the hilt with the words "Dawes Birm.H" this will refer most likely to Samuel Dawes of Cannon Street, Birmingham (he was an active sword cutler and a major supplier of swords to the British Board of Ordnance between 1775 - 1830).
On the opposite side of the blade is found what remains of a figure 2 surmounted by a Crown stamp, showing that the blade had been issued to an active army regiment at some time.
British 1751 pattern, infantry hanger sword - West Yorkshire
The single edged blade is 25 inches in length and slightly curved. It a single fuller which runs along the back edge of the blade for four fifths of it's entire length.
It has some areas of black oxidization and one or two indentations to the blade edge, almost certainly from combat use. The blade has only the tiniest amount of movement in the hilt (hardly noticeable), this pattern of British hanger is famous for it!
The sword comes complete with it's original leather scabbard, which is in excellent condition for it's age and is stamped at the throat locket "1 W.Y.M.", this stands for the 1st West Yorkshire Militia. The brass drag has been re-attached at some point.
A figure "4" is found struck deeply into the front of the heart shaped brass dish guard.
A single branch sweeps from the front of the dish guard forming a D shaped knuckle-guard, the end of which attaches to the Urn shaped pommel. The grip consists of a cast brass, spiral patterned handle.
A well stamped, late 18th century British military hanger for only £750