^Lot 251 British Hadley 1742 Infantry Hanger Sword.

American Revolution era British infantry trooper or grenadier's hanger bears a 28"long curved, single fuller blade, marked on the spine HADLEY, which stands for Thomas Hadley. (Thomas Hadley was a prominent Birmingham-based gun maker and sword Cutler (1770–1820) who produced swords for the British military). Lower right of the blade is marked with a crown over 1, a British government view mark and the the inside of the knuckle-guard and on the side of the pommel is stamped "X I I". Brass hilt with a depressed heart-shaped counter-guard, still retains traces of it's tarred finish. Wooden grip has aged gracefully into a fine dark patina. ( wire wrap now long gone). While becoming outdated, these swords were carried by British soldiers, Hessian troops, and American Continental/militia forces. What is interesting about this sword the stylized "Hadley" stamp on the spine is over stamped in block letters "I. Gill". When Thomas Gill was one of the foremost sword makers in the UK at the turn of the18th century. Based in Birmingham, he died in 1801 and his son John Gill continued producing swords for military and private contracts. His trooper swords can be identified by his "I. Gill" stamp on the spine. Overall very good/sound condition, blade has turned a molted gray with no nicks or sharpening. hilt is solid.