Hanger thumbnail 1
Hanger thumbnail 2

This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Hanger

ca. 1651 (made)
Artist/Maker

Object Type
This type of sword was known as a 'hanger' since it was hung from the belt. It was widely used for hunting and when travelling as it was more convenient than the longer rapier. The 'hanger' was very popular in England in the middle of the 17th century.

Historical Associations
Oliver Cromwell's victory over the Royalists at the battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651 was the 'crowning mercy' that effectively ended the English Civil War. On 15 September, Cromwell made a triumphant entry into London and Parliament granted him Hampton Court as a residence and £4,000 a year.

Trade
Peter Henckels was a member of a long established family of blade-makers from Solingen in Germany. This was then a famous centre for the manufacture of sword blades and Solingen cutlers had contracts with London retailers to mount their blades in English hilts.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Sword
  • Sheath
DimensionsDimensions checked: Measured; 16/02/2001 by KB (Scabbard (H) 55.2 x (W) 4.4cm - not on display)
Marks and inscriptions
Blade etched with an equestrian figure and inscribed 'OLIVIRUS CROMWEL ANNO DOMINI 16.51' and 'ME FECIT SOLINGIN'
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
Sword blades made by the cutlers of Solingen in Germany were exported all over Europe. During the Civil War, many were mounted in English hilts by London retailers. The inscription and date refer to Cromwell's final victory over the Royalists at the Battle of Worcester and are rare survivals. Many references to Cromwell were erased after the Restoration of 1660.
Credit line
Given by J. D. Aylward
Object history
Maker's mark on blade probably of Peter Henckels of Solingen, Germany; hilt made in England
Summary
Object Type
This type of sword was known as a 'hanger' since it was hung from the belt. It was widely used for hunting and when travelling as it was more convenient than the longer rapier. The 'hanger' was very popular in England in the middle of the 17th century.

Historical Associations
Oliver Cromwell's victory over the Royalists at the battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651 was the 'crowning mercy' that effectively ended the English Civil War. On 15 September, Cromwell made a triumphant entry into London and Parliament granted him Hampton Court as a residence and £4,000 a year.

Trade
Peter Henckels was a member of a long established family of blade-makers from Solingen in Germany. This was then a famous centre for the manufacture of sword blades and Solingen cutlers had contracts with London retailers to mount their blades in English hilts.
Collection
Accession number
M.1820-1944

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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