English sword/hanger - Parker Field & Sons

kronckew · 12th October 2010, 08:09 AM

i read somewhere that these police/prison service hangers are usually found unsharpened as the intent if used was not to sever body parts asunder, but to inflict pain and at most break bones.

they also were a symbol of office; most european police forces do not use badges like in the US. (they use distinctive uniforms or a warrant card - ID - much like the FBI one, or ones other federal agents carry)

12th October 2010, 08:09 AM	#17
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,216	i read somewhere that these police/prison service hangers are usually found unsharpened as the intent if used was not to sever body parts asunder, but to inflict pain and at most break bones. they also were a symbol of office; most european police forces do not use badges like in the US. (they use distinctive uniforms or a warrant card - ID - much like the FBI one, or ones other federal agents carry)