This Artilleryman's short sword is a rare British artillery hanger used during the Peninsular War (1807-1814), American War of 1812 and at Waterloo (1815). These artillery short swords are rare and seldom found, and almost never in such good condition.
The 660mm blade is single-edged and un-fullered. The blade is 37mm wide at the shoulder, with a spine thickness of 8mm tapering down to less than 1mm at the spear point. The sword’s point of balance is 135mm forward of the hilt, making it a well-balanced and formidable weapon. You can see a detailed comparison between an earlier Osborn made hanger, dateable to between 1800 and 1807 and this hanger in my latest Blog on this website.
The blade is in good condition, with a speckled patina and areas of darker tarnish and shallow pitting. The blade was service sharpened and retains a sharp fighting edge, with nicks to the blade consistent with service use.
The brass hilt has a faceted stirrup guard and disk quillon. The back strap merges into the pommel through which the tang is peened. This is very similar to the 1796 light cavalry hilt. The ridged wooden grip would have originally had a leather covering. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather scabbard with elongated brass frog stud and brass chape. The leather is strong and the stitching intact with cracks and crazing to the finish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This very rare and desirable artillery hanger saw service during a pivotal period of world history.
