Infantry hanger sword, Tottenham Association, 1782 (c)

Hilt engraved with regimental name and the blade stamped with the running fox symbol.

This type of hanger, the so called 'Pattern 1751', is one of the most common types of swords issued to auxiliary forces. However this sword is more important as a historical document being inscribed to the Tottenham Association, 1782.

An Act of Parliament of 1779 laid down that any number of Volunteer Companies might be raised and Middlesex led the way with twenty-four companies. The Tottenham Association was one of 24 volunteer companies raised in Middlesex during the American War of Independence (1775-1783) when fear of French attack grew. Hanger swords were a secondary weapon, used after ammunition was spent or musket and bayonet lost.