Hunting Hanger Sword with Antler Grip, Clamshell Guard & Frederick FR Stamp - c.1740-1760

This antique hunting hanger sword dates circa 1740-1760 and features a polished antler grip, iron pommel, knuckle bow, and clamshell guard with engraved linear decoration across the convex surface. The slightly curved 22 1/2 inch blade has one cutting edge and a single fuller measuring approximately 3/16 inch by 19 1/2 inches. The blade is stamped with a crown over FR, the royal cypher of Frederick the Great, King Frederick II of Prussia, with FR standing for Friderich Rex, or King Frederick. The crown above the cypher signifies royal authority and official Prussian association. The blade also bears a flying bird or eagle maker mark requiring further research. The sword measures approximately 27 1/4 inches overall. This English hunting-style sword was reportedly found among several of the same pattern, believed to have seen use as hangers, and closely relates to examples illustrated in George Neumann’s Swords & Blades of the American Revolution, including 24S, 64S, 87S, and similar French hunting-type hangers 65.S and 66.S.

Hunting hangers occupied an important place in the 18th-century world, serving as both sporting sidearms and practical short swords suitable for military, militia, naval, and frontier use. During the Colonial America and Revolutionary War era, compact hangers were favored because they were easier to carry than full-length swords while still offering serious close-quarters utility. The presence of the crown and FR cypher connects this example to the Prussian royal and military sphere under Frederick the Great, one of the defining military figures of the 18th century. Such markings are encountered on Prussian military swords, hunting swords, and royal or official property pieces of the period.

This is a highly appealing 18th-century hanger with the right mixture of form, markings, and Revolutionary-era relevance. The antler grip, clamshell guard, royal FR stamp, crown mark, and additional bird or eagle blade mark make it a strong research piece as well as a handsome display sword. Its relationship to documented examples in Neumann gives it additional collecting weight for those focused on Colonial America, the French & Indian War period, and Revolutionary War era edged weapons.

Dimensions: Approximately 27 1/4 inches overall, with a 22 1/2 inch blade.

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