English sword/hanger - Parker Field & Sons

[Ron Anderson]

Hi Stephen

As I mentioned, the same design seems to pertain to volunteer swords like the Artillery Volunteer sword that I have.

These are also I guess civilian arms, so you may be right about that assessment.

The sword I have is like the military officer's sword, but shorter and with that earlier design - both elements make it distinct from the usual army sword. No doubt they thought it was important to keep the distinction clear.

[kronckew]

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)

[stephen wood]

...actually Parker made edged weapons for the Volunteer Movement.

The hanger only tended to be issued to officers on solitary patrols or during civil disobedience. And they were sharpened.

[Lee]

I have had this communication from a descendent of John Perrin Field:

My great grandmother Marianne Field and her sister came to Australia with their brother John Perrin Field in the mid-19th Century. Their father, John Perrin Field was the principal of the a/m company. John Perrin Field Snr manufactured both swords and guns. His address when active was High Holborn I believe. His son founded a machine factory here in Melbourne in the 1860s or 70s. John Perrin Field was the godson of John Perrin, Lord Mayor of London; his brother was the godson of Nelson. When the company in London folded, Field retired to Bedfordshire. Amongst the property he left was his gold watch which I passed on to my son. When his wife died (Mary Sara) he remarried (his housekeeper). His children disapproved and came en masse to Melbourne.