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 WWII Era German Hirschfänger Stag Handled Long Shooting Cutlass, complete with scabbard. The hilt is fit with plated brass, with a slightly curved stag horn grip. 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 handle bears an NSDAP Deutsche Jägerschaft (German Hunters) DJ insignia on the handle, with a Swas between the antlers of a buck. This is one of the organizations that officially took over for the Forestry associations during the period. It may have been added at some point after 1933. Wrapped around the handle is a lovely forest green forestry association troddle knot, which is in very good condition.

The triple etched blade is still straight, free of damage and shows only very minor staining and wear. The blade has no post manufacture sharpening to the edge, and these originally were generally intended for thrusting, to finish off their wounded catch. The etched panels on the sides of the blade are simply breathtaking, with one side showing a small herd of deer running out from the brush, while the other side shows a hunting hound pursuing two foxes. The panels are surrounded by lovely foliate engraving, and the spine of the blade has lovely laurel leaves running up the back.

The rear ricasso of the blade is etched with the trademark logo of E. Pack & Söhne, which is in excellent condition. The mark shows their trademark "Young Siegfried wielding a hammer" Logo to the left, with the address marking to the right:

E. PACK
& SÖHNE
SOLINGEN

Per J. Anthony Carter's book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this firm used this trademark on Army Officer daggers from the mid war period to the end of the war. The company survived the war, until it was sold in the 1960s to another knife company from Solingen, and the maker mark continued to be used into the 1990s.

The steel scabbard is fitted with plated brass and wrapped in a dark green leather, as often seen on forestry association items. The fittings have a lovely patina, and the acorn-shaped frog button looks great. The finish on the textured leather is slightly worn, giving it a great look.

A lovely German upmarket Hirschfänger Forestry Association cutlass by a very desirable maker from Solingen. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 13"
Blade Style: Hirschfänger w/out Fuller
Overall length: 19”
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 13 ⅝”