A rare late 17th century hanger

M ELEY · 18th May 2013, 05:15 AM

Thanks, Jim, for commenting. I am excited to hear about the next issue of Man-at-Arms (I have purchased back copies in the past) and appreciate the 'heads-up'. Likewise, I've been meaning to purchase Mr Mowbray's book for a while, but now, I'll make it a priority. I'm glad you gave me the name that was escaping me- 'momento mori'. Sounds suitably creepy and sophisticated at the same time! I had thought of the Green Man image, but had forgotten the most obvious biblical connection.
You also brought to light the fraternal connections with these swords. Would these also include trade guilds? I've got to get my hands on that issue!

Dmitry · 26th May 2013, 02:12 PM

I think the feathered bust might be a Harpy, not a cherub. Cherubs only had wings and were otherwise human, Harpies had bodies if birds and human faces. Classical motifs are prevalent on the guards of these hangers, with Hercules being the most popular one, in my experience. Last quarter of the 17th-early 18th c. England is how I approach them. Precise dating is tough, unless the example is documented or otherwise dated, IMHO.

M ELEY · 30th May 2013, 10:30 AM

Thanks for responding, Dmitry. Yes, a harpy it could very well be. The face isn't the typical cherubic smile either. It appears more human and a little creepy. Either way, I like the decoration, as I don't have many pieces with figural hilts.

18th May 2013, 05:15 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,165	Thanks, Jim, for commenting. I am excited to hear about the next issue of Man-at-Arms (I have purchased back copies in the past) and appreciate the 'heads-up'. Likewise, I've been meaning to purchase Mr Mowbray's book for a while, but now, I'll make it a priority. I'm glad you gave me the name that was escaping me- 'momento mori'. Sounds suitably creepy and sophisticated at the same time! I had thought of the Green Man image, but had forgotten the most obvious biblical connection. You also brought to light the fraternal connections with these swords. Would these also include trade guilds? I've got to get my hands on that issue! Last edited by M ELEY; 18th May 2013 at 05:33 AM.

26th May 2013, 02:12 PM	#2
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	I think the feathered bust might be a Harpy, not a cherub. Cherubs only had wings and were otherwise human, Harpies had bodies if birds and human faces. Classical motifs are prevalent on the guards of these hangers, with Hercules being the most popular one, in my experience. Last quarter of the 17th-early 18th c. England is how I approach them. Precise dating is tough, unless the example is documented or otherwise dated, IMHO.

30th May 2013, 10:30 AM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,165	Thanks for responding, Dmitry. Yes, a harpy it could very well be. The face isn't the typical cherubic smile either. It appears more human and a little creepy. Either way, I like the decoration, as I don't have many pieces with figural hilts.