Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original Imperial German WWI-era Hirschfänger forestry and hunting dress cutlass, manufactured by the renowned Solingen firm Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (W.K. & C.). The cutlass features a substantial 15 ⅜-inch double-etched blade, decorated on both sides with woodland scenes, animals, and floral ornamentation. The hilt incorporates a naturally curved stag horn grip, three decorative brass acorn studs, an elaborate S-shaped crossguard terminating in opposing deer hooves, and a prominent scallop shell guard. The original leather scabbard is also included, retaining its nickel-plated brass fittings and distinctive acorn-shaped frog button. The blade bears the recognizable knight's helmet trademark above W.K. & C., providing a direct identification of its Solingen manufacturer. Although there is wear to the original nickel plating, some deterioration to the scabbard leather, and minor staining and surface rust on the blade, the cutlass remains a well-preserved example of the elaborate hunting and forestry sidearms associated with Imperial Germany.

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 great WWI Era German Hirschfänger Stag Handled Long Shooting Cutlass, complete with scabbard. The hilt is fit with nickel plated brass, with a slightly curved stag horn grip with three brass acorn studs on the side. It also has a lovely "S" shaped crossguard with the form of opposed Deer's hooves, very commonly seen on these shooting cutlasses. There is also a 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 plating on the hilt has worn through in many places, giving it a great broken in look.

The blade has lovely etched panels on both sides, showing floral engraving as well as animals in the forest. The blade is marked on the ricasso with the trademark "King's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) over W.K. & C. 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 work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD 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 blade is still straight, free of damage and does have a bit of minor staining and surface rust. The etching is a bit worn. The blade is unsharpened and was generally intended for thrusting, to finish off their wounded catch. The leather washer is still in place. The pommel has a lovely acorn design.

The leather scabbard is in good condition, though the leather has definitely dried out over time, and has had the finish chip in places. The brass fittings are nickel plated, which is well retained in most areas. As we often see, the frog button is shaped like an acorn.

This Imperial German Hirschfänger by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie is a representative example of the elaborate dress cutlasses associated with German hunting and forestry traditions during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its double-etched woodland scenes, stag horn grip, distinctive animal-themed hilt fittings, and identifiable Solingen maker's mark provide important evidence of its original design and manufacture. The accompanying leather scabbard, with its surviving nickel-plated fittings and acorn-shaped frog button, further contributes to the completeness of the ensemble. Although the precise original owner and organizational affiliation have not been established, the construction and ornamentation are consistent with the ceremonial forestry and hunting cutlasses worn during the Imperial German period. The surviving etching and maker's trademark make this an especially interesting example for collections focused on German sporting arms, forestry equipment, and Imperial-era edged weapons.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 15 3/8"
Blade Style: Hirschfänger w/out Fuller
Overall length: 21 1/8”
Crossguard: 3 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 15 1/8”