Early French Infantry Hanger / Short Sword Colonial America & French and Indian War Era 

Description

Early French Infantry Hanger / Short Sword 

Colonial America & French and Indian War Era 

A scarce late 17th to mid-18th century French infantry short sword or hanger retaining tremendous battlefield character and unmistakable colonial-era presence. This iron-mounted example dates approximately from the 1690s through 1740s and represents the type carried by French infantry, colonial troops, marines, and militia forces throughout New France during the long series of colonial conflicts fought across North America. 

The sword features a sturdy iron hilt with simple functional guard, rounded pommel, and ribbed grip showing traces of its original decorative treatment. The heavy straight blade survives in pleasing untouched “attic” condition with a dark aged surface and scattered oxidation consistent with honest age and long service. The overall appearance strongly reflects the hard campaigning associated with early frontier warfare in North America. 

Weapons of this type would have seen service during the great colonial struggles between France and England, including King William’s War, Queen Anne’s War, King George’s War, and ultimately the French and Indian War. French regulars, Canadian militia, voyageurs, and allied native forces carried similar edged weapons throughout Canada, the Great Lakes, the Ohio Valley, and down into Louisiana. 

Following British victories in the French and Indian War, captured French arms entered colonial American hands in significant numbers. Many such swords continued to see use by Americans during the Revolutionary War era, particularly among militia and frontier troops who often relied upon older captured or surplus military equipment. As a result, surviving examples like this connect directly to nearly a century of early American colonial conflict. 

An especially atmospheric and highly displayable early French military sword with outstanding age, untouched surfaces, and strong historical association to the formative military struggles of colonial North America. 

Inventory Number: SWO 393