Hi Jim
A good observation regarding the forte panel configuration, which is like the earlier 1822 pattern infantry swords. In fact, I've seen this pattern on infantry/cavalry/General Officer's swords in the earlier part of the Victorian era too (1837-1845). I suspect this configuration changed with the introduction of the new 1845 pattern blade (sans pipeback/quillback).
I have an artillery sword with the same forte panel configuration. I have since identified it as a Volunteer Artillery sword - it is shorter, almost hanger size, but has the three bar hilt of the standard artillery officer's sword.
It too has this earlier design on the forte panel, though I believe my sword must be later. It has a very similar blade to this hanger. I consider it to be a shorter version of the 1845 infantry blade. Almost as if the infantry officer's blade was just broken in two and sharpened. Notice how the fuller in this one goes practically to the end of the blade. I suspect in length though, you'll find the fuller about the same length as you'd find on a standard post-1845 infantry officer's sword. It is an 1845 pattern blade shortened.
Anyway, my point is it seems in police, prisons, volunteers swords and the like the forte panel design simply didn't change when the regulation patterns changed in the army.
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