victoriansword:short-swords:victoriansword:British Officer’s Hanger, c.1810-20Broad 61.5 cm pipe bac
victoriansword:short-swords:victoriansword:British Officer’s Hanger, c.1810-20Broad 61.5 cm pipe backed blade with quill point, ornate gilt stirrup hilt, the pommel in form of a lion couchant, the back piece cast with trophies of arms, the knuckle guard cast with acanthus leaves and shells, wire bound fish skin covered grip, together with a modern leather scabbard with engraved brass mounts, two suspension rings, the locket engraved with a naval presentation inscription.My understanding on pipe backed designs is that they were supposed to add rigidity to longer blades for thrusting, but that wouldn’t seem to be an issue with a hanger, so I wonder if there’s another logic at work here, or if someone just figured why not. I would love to know more about the original provenance and design, and if anyone has other examples of pipe backed short swords.@short-swordsA benefit of a pipe-back blade is that it offers some rigidity while allowing for a thinner blade, which is better for cutting, From that perspective, a pipe-back makes more sense for a broad cutting blade than a straight blade. The Ottoman kilij/kılıç is a good example of a sword type that often pairs a broad cutting blade with a pipe-back (or more commonly, a T-back).With this particular sword, another factor behind the pipe-back blade is fashion and popularity. Cavalry regiments popularized the design and it was quickly copied by infantry officers who wanted to emulate the dashing cavalry officers. Some officers of the Royal Navy also adopted pipe-back blades ahead of the 1827 regulation pattern. The example above is a beautiful sword. I love the very functional and practical blade paired with the intricate and beautifully cast and gilded guard. This sword was presented to an officer (unfortunately the auction listing does not give any details), but in my opinion it could have been a very effective fighting weapon and not just a presentation sword worn for dress. -- source link