Rare 1751 pattern British infantry hanger.
The P1751 was issued to British infantrymen and saw service during the Seven Years War (1754-1763). These short swords were also used by both the British and American forces during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). The hanger was considered a secondary weapon to the infantryman’s musket and bayonet and was used when opposing forces met in close quarter battle. The use of these short swords continued into the early 19th Century.
The 612mm single-edged blade has a narrow fuller below the flat spine, characteristic of blades of the period. The blade is in very good condition for its age and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade is bright and retains its fighting edge with minor, shallow pitting and some small nicks along the edge.
The ricasso is stamped with a Tower inspectors mark, a crown over the numeral 5.
The classic heart shaped brass guard has two side bars joining the knuckle bow and a tear-shaped rear quillon. The cast brass grip is spirally grooved with a ball pommel and button through which the sword’s tang is peened. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The front of the guard is marked “M-Glamorgan” and 3 over 2D.
This is a very good example of a rare British 18th Century infantryman’s short sword.
