A clam-shell guard infantry hanger or cutlass. 30 inches overall, blade 25 inches, 1 1/8 inch wide at the guard, straight blade, spear point, single edge with false back edge extending 7 1/4 inches from the point. Round wood grip and dome pommel with high capstan rivet. Hilt is tight. Blade has a good point and edge with no nicks. Metal is smooth and a mix of gray, brown, and pewter in color. Brass has a pleasing mellow patina. Wood grip is excellent with just minor wear and rubbing.

Neumann illustrates the identical sword, albeit with a slightly curved blade, as 19.SS in Battle Weapons, dating it to 1740-1760 as an English infantry hanger. The sword certainly is of munition quality rather than a hunting sword for even an impoverished country gentleman. Its simple form makes it a candidate for commercial supply to colonial militia of the French and Indian War period, though discussion in the Revolutionary War Firearms and Edged Weapons Discussion Group has revealed at least two of the clamshell guards have been excavate in American Revolutionary War contexts.

The blade on this example has a maker's mark stamped on either side 5 inches from the hilt on one side and 6 inches on the other. I have not identified it. I am aware of some of these with the running fox motif associated with Harvey. I assume this is another, contemporary British maker.

Thanks!