English Civil War Period “Hounslow Hanger” Saber, ca. 1640

Description

The Hounslow Hanger is a uniquely English sword favored by infantry officers and engineers of the English Civil War. It derives its name from the blade making center at Hounslow, England, just west of London. In the 1620’s, King Charles I saw the need for quality blades to be made in England, since until this time most had to be imported from the Continent. He sent his Lieutenant of Ordnance, Sir John Heyden, to Holland to try to encourage German bladesmiths to come to England and work under royal patronage. Since many Germans were under persecution during the Thirty Years War, many had fled to Holland and it was a simple matter to convince them to come to England to continue their trade under the protection of the King. In 1629 many of them settled at Hounslow Heath along the New Cutt River, which provided the power to operate their machinery. Many worked for cutler Benjamin Stone, whose royal patent of 1636 resulted in his being made an official supplier to the Office of Ordnance. One type of sword purchased from him by the Office of Ordnance was the saw-toothed pioneer sword, of which this is an example. The German smiths worked there until 1642, when Hounslow was captured by the Parliamentarians. Most then followed King Charles to Oxford, where they set up a blade mill at Glouster Hall and a sword mill at Wolvergate. A few remained at Hounslow through the Civil War working for Parliament. Most of those who had fled to Oxford returned to Hounslow after hostilities ended. The Hounslow Hanger is very similar to hunting swords of the period, but generally had a longer blade. The unique and identifying feature is the capped pommel with its scroll at the forward edge, to which the knucklebow is attached.

This example features iron guard with down-turned rear quillon with acorn finial; knuckle guard with central double knob joining the scroll of the engraved capstan pommel. One-piece stag horn grip with base ferrule and longitudinal bars on the front and rear edges. Broad, stoutly made 20” (56 cm) curved single-edged saw-back blade, double-edged for the last 8”, with single fuller at the back edge, stamped “*SOLI. DEO. GLORIA*” on each side. Very good condition with dark gray patina to the metal. This type of sword would have been prized by engineers (also known as pioneers) for its solid construction and saw-back blade. Overall length 25 7/8” (65.7 cm)