Hanger

Dutch hanger, the hanger consists of a pierced steel sheet, half-basket hilt, which is arranged in the form of a knuckle-bow with, an outer arm connected to it by three nearly horizontal bands. The pommel consists of a large screw retaining the base of the guard. The pommel is engraved with a foul anchor motif and there is a slot near the pommel for a knot. The guard was probably once painted black. The two-piece wooden grip is riveted to a broad tang, which appears at back and front edges. A brass plate which is secured to the tongue is stamped 'Pi-Gi 12500'. The steel blade is slightly curved, nearly a falchion shape (a short curved sword) with a short but strongly emphasised false edge producing a hatchet point. The brown leather scabbard is fitted with a brass chape with a ball terminal and a leather band round the throat, which is partially covered by a brass strip.

The shoulder of the blade is engraved 'HEMBRUG'. Hembrug is Dutch equivalent of the Royal Ordnance Factory and has been producing arms since the 17th century. This weapon may be the hanger of the Engineer or Pioneer troops. Several hangers identical to this one are known and the presence of the foul anchor motif on the pommel would seem to suggest Government Issue.

Object Details

ID: WPN1377
Collection: Weapons
Type: Hanger
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Artillerie Inrichtingen
Places: Hembrug
Date made: 1910
People: Dutch Engineer Troops; Dutch Pioneer Troops Dutch Government
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Blade: 625 x 35 mm
Parts: Hanger