Original German Mid-18th Century Baroque Gilt Brass Mounted Hirschfänger Hunting Sword with Shell Grip and Leather Scabbard
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally ornate German Hirschfänger, or hunting hanger, dating to approximately 1730–1750. Measuring 27 1/2 inches overall with a 22-inch blade, it is a particularly fine example of the elaborate hunting swords carried by members of the German nobility and court hunting establishments during the Baroque period. Although functional weapons intended for use during the hunt, highly decorated examples such as this also served as important symbols of rank, wealth, and social standing.
The impressive hilt is constructed with extensively cast and chased brass mounts retaining attractive gilt highlights throughout. The large asymmetrical shell guard is decorated in high relief with a dramatic hunting scene depicting hounds attacking game amid dense foliage and scrollwork. Additional animals and hunting motifs appear throughout the guard, knuckle bow, quillon block, grip mounts, and pommel. The short rear quillon terminates in a finely modeled animal-head flourish, while the knuckle bow incorporates pierced and sculpted Rococo-style ornamentation. The richly decorated hilt displays the extraordinary level of craftsmanship associated with the finest German hunting arms of the early to mid-18th century.
The faceted grip is covered in beautifully figured dark brown and amber shell over a wooden core. One section exhibits a small, stable hairline crack that does not extend across the full width of the grip. A gilt brass decorative strap runs down the face and is ornamented in relief with figural, animal, floral, and geometric designs. The grip is completed by a broad gilt pommel cap and lower ferrule, both decorated with additional hunting imagery. The shell shows expected age-related cracking and minor losses, but remains visually striking and substantially intact.
The straight 22-inch blade has a broad single edge with a long narrow fuller near the spine and a clipped, spear-like point. Both sides of the forte are finely engraved with symmetrical Baroque scrollwork, masks, interlaced designs, and crosshatched backgrounds. Above the engraved panels are individual game-animal devices, including what appears to be a stag or antelope head on one face and a related animal motif on the reverse. The decoration remains crisp and clearly visible, with some surface wear, staining, and light oxidation consistent with age.
The original black leather-covered scabbard is also present, a significant feature that greatly enhances the completeness and desirability of the piece. It is fitted with large gilt brass mounts decorated in matching high-relief hunting and scroll motifs. The lower mount depicts a running wild boar, while the upper mount is ornamented with scrolling foliage. The leather shows age, cracking, wear, and areas of old repairs, but the scabbard remains structurally present and displays extremely well alongside the hanger.
This is a superb and highly decorative German courtly hunting sword with its original scabbard, combining a shell grip, extensive gilt brass mounts, finely engraved blade, and elaborate high-relief hunting scenes. The quality and density of the decoration place it well above the more commonly encountered horn-gripped hunting hangers of the later 18th and 19th centuries. A visually impressive and historically significant piece worthy of an advanced collection of European edged weapons, German hunting arms, or aristocratic sporting equipment.
Specifications:Blade Length: 22"Blade Style: Hirschfänger Singled Edged (sharp)Overall length: 27.5”Scabbard Length: 22.5"
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