Mervyn Mitton Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Wasn't sure if this one should be under Swords - however, it is specifically for the police. Very few people realise that the early British police were armed - we mostly associate them with wooden truncheons. The fact is that in the 19th.century policing was a very dangerous occupation - there was no proper street lighting , no way to call for help (apart from a rattle) and the criminal element were armed and willing to use their weapons. The first policeman was killed only a few weeks after they first went on duty in 1829 - he was stuck head first into a drain ! Swords - and pistols - were mostly kept in the Station - to be issued in an emergency - they were issued on a regular basis to P.C.'s on dangerous beats. One of the most frightening must have been graveyard duty. To guard against body snatchers - or, as they were known, Resurrection Men, police patrolled cemetries at night. Grave robbers would dig-up recently buried corpses and sell them to medical schools and as a lot of money was involved they were violent.The sword shown here was supplied by Parker Field - armourers to the Metropolitan Police and dates between 1840 and the 1870's - although this pattern was for County Forces - the Met. having their own style. I will post one of those another time.Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 You will note that the finish is brass - it doesn't rust. The original type of this shaped short sword , was called a Hounslow Hanger and was carried by people in the 18C. on Hounslow Heath to guard against highway men. I have no idea why the name 'hanger' - perhaps something to do with it's shape? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leigh kitchen Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Interesting - I have one similar, but with steel rather than brass fittings, no engraving or manufacturerer's marks, & no scabbard. And unfortunately, I had to hacksaw it off a gate somebody had incorporated it into along with horseshoes, gin traps, a bayonet & a tulwar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now