A very rare marked and dated Officers hanger from the 18th century.
Overall the hanger measures just over 71cms long. The blade is just over 57cms long.
This regulation pattern hanger of the M1742 type remains in excellent condition throughout.
The hanger is German by origins with the brass spacer present that once had the thumb ring attached, as seen in the images provided.
The grip is a bulbous wire bound type, not typical of the form or design seen in these types of hangers. This coupled with the blade and hilt markings is indicative of a high end officers version of the type.
The guard retains clear markings to one edge reading "ANNO H R W 1779". The grip is braided wire over a bulbous wood core. A brass washer is present under the guard that shows to once have had the regulation thumb ring present.
The blade is a very fine type that is clearly marked to both sides.
Each side shows a Rampant Lion under a crown. The Lion holds a sabre or hanger in his right paw and leans on a shield with his left. He sits atop of a platform.
Under the Lion to one side is a panoply of arms which include a cannon, musket, sabre, pikes and lances with pennons. The reverse carries a significant slogan reading, "For Gott und Das vatterland", "For God and the Fatherland" in German.
A very fine example with outstanding markings to both blade and hilt that are worthy of further research.
Possible American Revolution hanger from the serving German forces, see G.C.Neumann, figure 42S for an example with the thumb ring present.
