Item: ONJR25MAMD072
Original German Pre WWII Hirschfänger Lion’s Head Forestry Dress Cutlass by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie with Scabbard
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Original Item: Only One Available. In use for centuries, the German Hirschfänger (Deer Catcher) long hunting daggers have always made lovely display pieces, as well as military sidearms. Many of the early bayonets used by the various German States were based on the Hirschfänger design, which is both simple and elegant, almost a short sword in practical terms.The Hunting and Forestry organizations under the German monarchy were often controlled by aristocrats and well-heeled businessmen. They were generally not organizations inhabited by the common man. The purposes were generally formed for the conservation of game and forestry. Elaborate hunts were great occasions for the well-heeled, while the ladies used the hunting lodges for match-making and gossip. The cutlasses of these Imperial organizations were often extremely ornate, or they could also be utilitarian, made to perform the final killing thrust on game. Both types were often owned by a single individual. Many examples were used strictly for dressing up the beauty of a hunting/forestry uniform.This is a fantastic pre WWII Era German Hirschfänger Stag Handled Long Shooting Cutlass by the legendary firm of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (WKC), complete with scabbard. The hilt is fitted with gilt brass, much of which is retained, with a straight wood grip. This is fitted with two brass ornaments on each side, which are loose and can fall out. The "S" shaped crossguard has opposed Deer's hoof finials that were hand enhanced. There is also a beautiful scallop shell guard on one side, much like those seen on earlier "hunting sword pistols", which in this case actually looks quite like an actual scallop. The pommel finishes in a beautifully-executed lion’s head.The blade is free of etching, the only marking being the “Knight’s Helmet” (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.The leather scabbard is fitted with gilt brass, with an acorn frog button, as often seen. The black patent leather is in good shape, without any bending or major issues with the finish. The gilding has worn away due to cleaning, which is not uncommon.A magnificent German upmarket Hirschfänger Hunting Association cutlass by a famous Solingen maker. Ready to display!Specifications:Blade Length: 17½"Blade Style: Hirschfänger w/out FullerOverall length: 23”Scabbard Length: 17 1/4”
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