Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an item that simply reeks of romance! 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.
This is a great WWI Era Hirschfänger set, with a great scabbard, featuring a second slot for the included small skinning knife, which has a 4 inch long SOLINGEN marked blade. We have no doubt that the entire set came from Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany, the edged weapon center for the entire German Empire. Both the sword and the skinning knife have lovely stag horn grips, all fitted with lovely "German Silver" Cupronickel alloy.
The short sword itself is simply lovely, with a slightly curved grip, and an "S" shaped crossguard that has each end terminate in a lovely Deer's hoof. There is also a scallop shell guard on one side, much like those seen on earlier "hunting sword pistols", which in this case helps to hold the skinning knife in placed. The grip ferrule also has a green and silver troddel knot installed, which is the WWII colors for an Noncomissioned officer, so it's possible that this Hirschfänger saw parade use even into the WWII period.
The blade is etched with hunting scenes on both sides, displaying a variety of different game animals, including deer, rabbits, fowl, and what look to be foxes or wolves. There are also lovely foliate designs, and the spine has a repeating laurel leaf motif. It has a thin red felt blade buffer at the crossguard. The skinning knife is more spartan, as it was much more likely to be used. The blades of both do show some use, and light oxidation, but nothing out of the ordinary.
The leather scabbard, like the knives, is completely fit with "German Silver", and has a lovely "acorn" shaped frog stud on the front. It fits the Hirschfänger and knife perfectly, and just looks great. It does have a log of wear to the finish on the exterior, but that is to be expected for an item over 100 years in age.
A lovely German upmarket Hirschfänger set, possibly used in two wars. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 19 1/8"
Blade Style: Hirschfänger w/ Fuller
Overall length: 25“
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 19 1/8"
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