English Hanger, Saber, Last Quarter 17th C

Description

Featuring cast brass hilt comprising single shell guard depicting a cherub in low relief
surrounded by scrolling foliage, integral knuckle guard with central decoration ensuite
attached to the brass capstan pommel, the domed cap of which depicts similar angelic
figures; rear quillon removed, as often found. One-piece stag horn grip. Curved 20 1/4″
(51.4 cm) single-edged blade of flat section deeply stamped with full-face king’s head mark
on both sides, the last 7″ double-edged. This is almost certainly the work of a member of
the London Cutler’s Company, as the motif is typical of their work during the James II and
William & Mary periods, plus some members also often used variations of the King’s Head
mark. While the King’s Head mark is most often associated with Solingen smiths from the
Weyersberg and Wundes Families, those were side-facing marks, whereas some members
of the LCC were known to use a full face King’s Head mark. A famous painting of Admiral
Benbow shows him carrying a very similar hanger and the era matches that of this saber.