• Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
  • Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era
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Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era

Hessian Model 1716 Hanger with Rare Original Leather Scabbard, Revolutionary War Era

$3,000.00 USD
$3,000.00 USD
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This Hessian or German Model 1716 hanger is a strong 18th-century military short sword with an exceptionally rare surviving original leather scabbard, missing its tip. The sword features a solid brass hilt with D-shaped guard, rounded urn-style pommel, large capstan, and an accelerating spiral grip. The curved blade has a single fuller and measures approximately 23 inches, with an overall sword length of approximately 29 1/2 inches. The original leather scabbard is a major point of collector interest, as 18th-century leather routinely deteriorated, was discarded, or was destroyed through hard service. This example closely relates to patterns illustrated in George Neumann’s Swords & Blades of the American Revolution, including the example on page 76, no. 45.S.

Hessian and German hangers of this general type were widely used by the German auxiliary troops employed by the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. Foot soldiers relied on sturdy short swords like this for close-quarters use, camp duties, and field service. Variations of this heart or related northern European hanger pattern continued in use across Germany, Scandinavia, and northern Europe well into the 19th century. Scabbards of the period were often made of boiled leather, or cuir bouilli, with brass or iron mounts such as lockets and chapes, making any surviving original leather scabbard especially prized by arms collectors. King George III hired over 30,000 German Mercenaries in order to help British troops quell the uprising. Commonly referred to as "Hessians" in fact less than 30% were actually Hessian (From Hesse) and the remainder came from other then independent German states.

This hanger is an excellent Revolutionary War era edged weapon with the kind of completeness collectors actively seek. The brass hilt, curved fullered blade, German/Hessian association, Neumann reference, and rare original leather scabbard make it a compelling piece for collectors of Colonial America, Hessian mercenary arms, British-allied Revolutionary War equipment, and 18th-century military swords. The scabbard tip loss is noted, but the survival of the leather itself is a significant and desirable feature.

Dimensions: Approximately 29 1/2 inches overall, with a 23 inch blade.

 

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