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 stands of arms. There is also the German Imperial crown, and a banner reading M. GOTT F. KAISER U. REICH, which would be an abbreviation for Mit Gott für Kaiser und Reich (With God for Emperor and Country). This indicates it was definitely a WWI era produced example, but most likely continued in use into the Weimar period and maybe later. There are no maker marks that we can see, so this was a bespoke example, probably built using an unmarked blade blank.

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 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. The back of the throat had a rectangular area cleaned away, and is named to Otto Müller. 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: 16 5/8"
Blade Style: Hirschfänger w/out Fuller
Overall length: 22 5/8”
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 17 1/2”