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2024-197, Sword
Anspach-Bayreuth Briquet
2024-197, Sword

Anspach-Bayreuth Briquet

Dateca. 1770
OriginEurope, Germany, Anspach-Bayreuth
MediumSteel, iron, and brass
DimensionsOverall: 28 9/16"; Blade: 23 3/8" x 1 1/4"; Hilt: 5 1/8"
Credit LineGift of Donald Troiani
Object number2024-197
DescriptionInfantry hanger, with a one-piece cast brass grip of common "briquet" form with a ribbed grip topped by a two-stage capstan, stirrup guard, two-stage quillon, bird's-head pommel, and integral backstrap. Its single-edged curved blade has a narrow fuller running along the spine and a false edge.Label TextWith the cypher of Christian Frederick Carl Alexander, Margrave of Anspach-Bayreuth, there can be no doubt this sword belonged to one of the regiments from this principality. Two of these, one from Anspach and the other from Bayreuth, arrived in America in 1777 to fight as mercenaries bolstering the forces of King George III. After participating in the siege of Rhode Island in 1778, the two units found themselves in Virginia, where they surrendered to Washington's forces at Yorktown in October of 1781.Inscription(s)The outboard side of the blade is etched with the crowned cypher of Christian Frederick Carl Alexander (CFCA), the last Margrave of Anspach-Bayreuth. The other side is etched with the complicated crowned arms of the principality.