FINE POLISH HANGER C.1740-60

Fire gilt hilt of fine sculptural quality with characterful lion head pommel and spiral grip. The knuckle bow, quillon and quillon block in spirals en suite. Oval disk rain cover base. 21 ¾” broad and narrow fullered blade with foliate and lattice panels flanking the motto Pro Deo et Patria, which is specifically associated with Polish swords. The blade is decorated with stag and boar, typical of European hangers of the period. Those motifs are drawn from hunting swords of the period and often found on civilian hangers which were intended for protection, not hunting. A civilian sword, probably owned by a member of the noble class for protection in the streets. The hilt has a particularly fine patina including light rubbing which highlights its sculptural quality.