Jeremiah Keeler's Hanger (Sword)

On View
The Ongoing Revolution Museum Map

The Marquis de Lafayette purchased dozens of these hangers while he was in France during the winter of 1779-1780. When he returned and took command of the Continental Army’s Corps of Light Infantry, Lafayette gave each non-commissioned officer (sergeants and corporals) one of these swords. This one belonged to Sergeant Jeremiah Keeler of Connecticut. Keeler, who had served in the Connecticut militia and later joined the Continental Army, carried this sword during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. He was among the first men to assault the British redoubts at Yorktown, a decisive moment of the siege. Keeler’s family remembered that he used this sword as a crutch on his long walk home at the end of the Revolutionary War.

Object Details

Hanger (Sword)
France
1779-80
Iron, Steel, Brass, Leather
Museum of the American Revolution, Donated in memory of Helene Keeler Spangler (third great-granddaughter of Jeremiah Keeler) who cherished this sword her whole life
2024.03.01

Take a Closer Look

This image shows the details of the handle of the sword.

This image shows an etching on the blade of the sword down near the handle.

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Detail view of the basket shaped hilt on James Grant's backsword.

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James Grant’s Basket Hilt Backsword

British Army Lieutenant James Grant carried this basket-hilted backsword while serving as an officer in the 77th Regiment of Foot in America during the French and Indian War.

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