Silver mounted Georgian hanger.

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Norman,
Just some more notes that I thought might be helpful, as this really is an extraordinary piece.
This lionhead form seems to have evolved from various hangers and short sabres from the German states during about the first half of the 18th century. There was of course considerable traffic between Germany and England through these times and the influences were well established. These lionheads began appearing on British swords about mid century, and are seen on many of the short sabres and cuttoes for officers shown in Nuemann ("Swords and Blades of the American Revolution").
It is noted that these pommels, as well as various components were actually stockpiled as officers would have swords custom made, and fashion of course being a driving force.
It seems most of these lionhead swords were brass, and those which were silver mounted often on the cuttoes (hunting hangers). It must be remembered that officers were always gentry, and often extravagant handsome weapons were a must, with hunting sword forms often favored. A number of the lionhead hunting swords are silver mounted with ivory and similar gadrooned bands.

The guard on this example seems to fall into, as mentioned, the period of high fashion with these officers swords c. 1770-90 when the spadroon type sabres (straight blade, often with five ball hilt ) and variations were also in voque.

I would presume this sabre to be cavalry, but with the great latitude enjoyed by officers in thier interpretations of fashion and flamboyance, it is always hard to say.

Since this is silver mounted and carries a hallmark, it seems it has great potential for research. There is a title by Leslie Southwick I believe, 'London Silver Hilts' or something like that. I think you may find the mark there and give a better timeframe, in fact weren't hallmarks issued for certain year or period?

Hope we can discover more...fantastic sword!!!!

All the best,
Jim