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 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 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 double trademark "King's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) alongside a "Kings's Head" (königskopf) over W.K. & C. logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. This trademark is used on privately purchased blades and walking out bayonets in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is absolutely correct for this sword. 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 minor staining and surface rust. The blade is unsharpened and was generally intended for thrusting, to finish off their wounded catch. The green felt washer is still in place.

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.

A lovely German Hirschfänger from Imperial Germany. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 12 1/2"
Blade Style: Hirschfänger w/out Fuller
Overall length: 18 1/4”
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 13”