E5492

Hanger (sword) Long Caption: Hanger, which is said to have belonged to Captain Maurice Suckling (1725-1778) and Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805). The legend connected with this sword is that it was the weapon, which Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson was wearing on the 25 July 1797 during the boat attack on Santa Cruz, and that it was the sword presented to him by his uncle Captain Maurice Suckling. However there is no evidence that this sword ever belonged to either Nelson or Suckling. The engraved legends are probably early 19th century in date. The hilt fits the blade badly and it is reasonable to assume that they were not made originally to form a single sword. The blade may well be that of an Infantry hanger of the second half of the 18th century whereas the hilt is later (not before 1790). The guard does not match the restrained and attractive decoration of the pommel, annulet and ferrule, which may conceivably be associated itself. Nevertheless, in general terms this type of weapon must have been very common at sea at the end of the 18th century and during the early years of the 19th century. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: WPN1063 Artist: unknown Date: circa 1790 Medium: gilt brass; bone; steel Size: 25 mm x 785 mm x 105 mm; 632 mm x 32 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.