The Hunting and Forestry organizations under the German monarchy were often controlled by aristocrats and well-heeled businessman. They were generally not organizations habituated 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.

The German Hunting Association (Deutsche Jägerschaft) was headed by Reich Hunting Master Hermann Göring. The organization was formed to enforce the hunting regulations surrounding the advancement of conservation. The organization was a "must" for Germans interested in advancing their careers in business or the NSDAP. The Hunting Association was much like a country club membership today. The cutlasses worn by the organization were often quite elaborate. The hilt was silver with a stag grip. The scabbards were composed of green leather shells with silvered mounts. The cutlass blades were usually etched with hunting scenes. The insignia of the organization - a stag with a swastika between its antlers and the initials DJ - graced the grip of the cutlass.

The German Rifle Association was one of the last organizations to be nationalized by the NSDAP. The organization consisted of many shooting and target clubs positioned throughout the Reich, some centuries old. Members were all volunteers. The cutlass was a long example. It consisted of nickel plated hilt fittings with clamshell having the insignia of the organization - essentially a target within a rounded disk having black enameled organization name. The grip was an off-white, celluloid-over-wood affair. The scabbard was black leather with nickeled mounts. The long blade was double-etched, featuring forestry/hunting scenes and usually a target somewhere in the motif.

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1. CUTLASS #34714 Imperial Hunting Cutlass with Skinner – F.R. Wellmann Hamburg

   This Imperial Hunting Cutlass is of very large proportions throughout, and overall measures about 22 inches in length. The cutlass is fitted with all gilded brass mounts and I am pleased to say that most of the original gild is still in place. This is rare to see on something that is at least one hundred years old. The hilt has a conventional pommel being of gilded brass and having fluted top with the small round mount at the upper which also acts to contain a peened over tang. The edges of the pommel have dual accent lines. Except for the sharp edges of the pommel side the gild is still nicely spread throughout this mount. The ferrule is a tapered type which has two decorative lines running around the circumference. Below the ferrule is a conventional hunting crossguard being plain in the center and having quillon arms which extend outward and upward at the left and outward and downward at the right. There is also some handwork done to simulate the deer’s hair on the quillon arms. The quillon ends of course are in the shape of a hoof. Below the crossguard is a clamshell having a fluted surface. Like the pommel the gilt is nearly 100% throughout these mounts. The grip is quite beautiful having a fine antique look throughout its surfaces. It has lots of darker brown and coffee colors mixed with lighter shades at the tops of the grain. The edges have turned a golden color. This grip extends upward to the left and was obviously selected for its size, as there is very little trimming required for the insertion of this grip at the upper and lower portions of its respective mounts. The grip is decorated with three acorns. These acorns have a nice coppery look to them but they are also deeply patinated. There is not much gilt left on the acorns as this would have been the area that has had the most wear over the years. These acorns are the type that do not have leaves and there is good detail to the checkering of the caps. All three are original and set in place. A very fine hilt here!

   The scabbard shell is made of black leather. This leather shows some signs of usage over the years but overall it is still in fine supple condition. Like the gilded surfaces it is unusual to see leather in this condition after a century. The leather has the twin decorative lines on both sides and it is sewn up the rear. There is also a raised out pocket that was made to fit the enclosure of a skinning knife. The mounts for this scabbard exactly match the gilded finish of the hilt. These mounts are quite beautiful having scalloped edges where they meet the leather and they are retained by staples in the usual manner. The upper mount has the open slot for a skinning knife. At the center of the slot is a beautiful acorn which also acts as a lug. As luck would have it for once, the original skinning knife is still in place. This skinner is a beauty having stag grip plates which exactly match the grip of the hunting cutlass. Like the skinners usually are made, there is only one acorn at the top of the stag and this acorn exactly matches the other three except for the fact that because it was protected by the clamshell it still has most of the original gilded finish. The blade of this skinner is a single edge slap side type being in choice mint condition. This is really a great cutlass which you will admire too once you begin examining it piece by piece as I am doing.

   The blade is a very long, 16 inch example and this blade will put a smile on your face also. It is a very large proportion slab side type being having single edge and false edge at the top that runs back a short way. This blade still has the original bright finish and is in new-like condition rating mint. There are some slight usage signs but they are extremely nominal. The blade is triple etched having choice frosted finish in the backgrounds. The obverse etch depicts a stag chasing after three doe who are all running through a wooded scene. At the end of the etch there is a game bird that looks like a turkey sitting up in an oak tree branch. The reverse etch depicts a perpendicular large stag at the area above the ricasso and then in the center area it goes horizontal showing a hunter kneeling aiming a gun at a big stag which is also being chased by his dog. Hopefully the round will go above the head of the dog as the two animal are pretty close together. The panel is finished by some sort of a duck bird which looks like it is just taking off from an oak leaf branch. These etches are slightly unusual and I don’t recall seeing them in the past. The spine has a series of oak-like leaves that run down most of its length. The reverse of the blade has a distributor name but there is no maker name on the blade. The distributor stamping is, “F.R. Wellmann Hamburg Goldene Medallum”. The original red felt blade buffer is in place. A terrific conditioned imperial piece here. If you’re looking for a nice old one that you can live with the condition this example should suit you.

   Near Mint. $1,495.00

2. CUTLASS #34713 Imperial Hunting Cutlass – W.K.& C.

   This Imperial Hunting Cutlass is the large proportioned typ,e and it measures about 21½ inches overall. The mounts are all brass type throughout and they do not look like they have been cleaned in many, many years. These mounts all have a patination over them but the patination gives a fine look of antiquity. The pommel cap is the standard type having the fluted top and decorative lines around the edges. There is an acorn on the top of the cap which acts as a tang nut. The ferrule below has decorative twin lines engraved into the surfaces and below that it has a standard hunting style crossguard having quillons with deer’s hooves. The left quillon goes upward while the right one goes downward. These quillon arms have been hand enhanced with hair simulating a deer’s leg. Below the crossguard is a clamshell which is fluted. It is interesting to note that the reverse of the ferrule has the original owner’s monogram engraved, “W.F”.

   The scabbard shell is a leather type, having twin decorative lines that run down the edges of both sides and it is sewn up the rear. The scabbard leather is still in good shape showing nominal age. The scabbard mounts exactly match the patination of the hilt mounts. These mounts have fancy scalloped edges where they meet the leather and they are retained by staples. The upper mount has an acorn which acts as a lug for a frog. It is interesting to note that the obverse of the upper scabbard mount also has the original owner’s monogram. It is the same, “W.F” only the letters are done in a much fancier form being double scribed with shading in the centers. The reverse of the upper scabbard mount also has some dates which must represent hunts that were participated in by the owner of this cutlass or perhaps they were some type of a contest that he won. Descending downward are the engraved dates, “25 IV. 1920, 11 III 1922, 20 X 1920, 6 VI 1925. 30 X 1928”. Obviously whatever this man did with hunting he was pretty good at it and kept a record by having the winning dates permanently attached to his cutlass.

   The grip of this example is also a beauty. This grip has very attractive raised graining and it is a dark brown and coffee color. The grip bends to the left traveling upward. This grip is fitted with acorns being the type that have a cap with a stem but no leaves. One of the acorns was missing at the bottom of the grip and fortunately we had an example in stock that was original and we replaced it accordingly. A beautiful grip here that was chosen for its proportion as it fits the pommel cap as well as the ferrule with very little trimming.

   The 15½ inch blade is a slab side type with single edge and false edge at the top going back slightly. The blade is still nice and bright throughout and would be in mint condition were it not for some marks around the ricasso and beginning of the blade area which appear to be scars left from a careless person that had the blade apparently in a vice. The marks are not too bad but they are there and are not something that would be easy to remove. The obverse blade has an outstanding etch which depicts a perpendicular placed hunter with a rifle at rest and then past this is a horizontal depiction of a stag and doe eating leaves in a forest and then thirdly there is a depiction of a stag with crossed rifles, game bag, cutlass, etc. The reverse blade depicts a large stag at the ricasso area in perpendicular and then horizontally is a hunting dog sniffing after two foxes which are playing around a railing, and then thirdly is a doe and a stag in a forest glen positioned above a hunting bag with hunting horns. There is no etching on the spine. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark used around the turn of the last century being the king and knight side by side with the firm’s initials below, “W.K.&C.”. The original blade buffer is in place showing some age to the edges. A pretty nice cutlass here that if someone wanted to clean it up it could be a real showpiece. It is also interesting with all of the dates engraved on the reverse. We do have the intiails of the original owner so you never know, it may be possible to research this man if the dates could be tied in with someone having the monogram, “W.F.”.

   Excellent. $995.00

3. CUTLASS #34712 Imperial Hunting/Shooting Cutlass – W.K.& C.

   This Imperial example could be a hunting Hirschfanger, but I think that it is a Shooting Cutlass because it is a relatively long thin weapon. The cutlass overall is 21 inches. The hilt is composted of all brass components. The pommel cap is a little bit more narrow than most having a fluted top with single accent line running around the sides. The tang goes through and is peened over a small mount attached to the top of the pommel. The ferrule matches the patinated brass of the pommel cap having twin accent decorative lines. The crossguard is a typical hunting type being flat in the center and having quillons in the shapes of deer hooves. The left example goes upward and the right example points downward. There are also hand done scribings of deer’s hair in the legs. The grip is a lighter color tan stag. This stag also has some golden tones around he edges and although there is grain it is not real high. The grip goes upward and turns to the left. The size of the grip was selected as it almost perfectly fits the pommel and ferrule with little cutting required. Below the crossguard is a matching fluted clamshell.

   The scabbard shell has good black leather that could use a coat of polish but overall it is in good condition showing normal age. The leather is decorated with twin accent lines which run on the edges of both sides and is sewn up the rear. The scabbard mounts have arched edges where they meet the leather. These mounts are plain and are retained by staples in the usual manner. The upper mount has an acorn which also acts as a holder for a frog. The original Imperial portepee is still affixed to the upper section of this mount. The portepee appears to be a green color although there is a lot of fading that has happened over the years. The strapping is also textured, and would be the same basically as we would see on a Third Reich period shooting knot. The slide and stem appear to also have been green at one time as does the cap of the brush style acorn at the bottom. The brush has turned mostly all brown but you can see it was green at one time if you look at the inside of the threads. So, examining this original Imperial troddel I would say that this is definitely a shooting cutlass.

   The long thin blade is a 16 inch length having a slab side with single edge and a false edge at the top running back a short distance. Unfortunately the blade has turned gray and has much age on it. There is an etch being a military theme with floral designs but little of it is visible due to the age on the surfaces. The obverse ricasso is marked with a knighthead and the firm’s initials, “W.K.& C.” beneath. The original green buffer is in place showing age around the edges. A good piece to hang up on the wall above the fireplace.

   Good Plus. $495.00

4. CUTLASS #34619 Senior Forestry Cutlass - WKC

   This Senior Forestry Cutlass is equipped with fine, genuine, ivory grip plates. These grip plates remain in perfect condition, and have attractive grains, running vertically, and also some beautiful golden tones. The grip plates are decorated with the single style acorns without the leaves. All acorns are in place original to the cutlass. The "D" guard, ferrule, and clamshell are all solid brass, and have a fine, gilded finish. The "D" guard has ending areas shaped in a hoof at the top, and also going through the crossguard at the bottom. There is hand enhancing to the deer fur of the legs. The ferrule is designed with a series of raised lines which run throughout the circumference. The fluted clamshell below has a turned, hook-like area at the right, and a longer style hook at the left. The scabbard shell is produced of fine, black leather. The leather shows some mild usage, with a few scuffs here and there, but not bad. The leather shell is decorated with twin lines that run the length of both sides. The scabbard mounts are of brass, having a gilt surface. Most of the gilt is gone from the bottom mount, and the top mount has about 40% of the original gilt remaining. These mounts have fancy scabbard ends where they meet the shell, and they are retained by brass staples. There is a visible number beneath both of the staples. The upper mount has the lug in the shape of an acorn, and otherwise is plain. The lower mount is also plain except for twin accent lines in the center. The chape has a tiny, pushed-out point on the bottom, where the blade overran the scabbard slightly sometime in the past.

   The blade of this example measures over 13 1/2 inches. It is quite impressive, being a single edge type with ricasso, and no false edge. This "slab-side" as we call it, is in perfect condition, still having its original brightness, and good, sharp triple etch, with 100% frosting in the background. The obverse etch has four different scenes. The first being a hunter with gun in a relaxed position, carried by his right arm, the second scene depicts a stag and a doe, grazing in a forest glen. The third scene depicts a stag with cutlass over his head, and gamebag and horn beneath him. The fourth scene is a pair of gamebirds, in a forest glen. The reverse blade also has several hunting scenes, the first being a large stag, standing in the forest, the second being a pointing dog, sniffing out a pair of foxes who are playing around a log. The third scene depicts hunting implements of horn and game bag, and above this is another pair of deer, with two fir trees above. Beautiful stuff here, and extremely well done, especially when one considers this was all done with an acid etch. The upper spine is also etched with a laurel leaf style design. The maker logo, consisting of a knight head appears on the obverse ricasso, with the firm's initials below, "WKC". There is a green felt buffer in place, showing little wear. A very fine cutlass here, especially considering the genuine ivory, and the beautiful mint blade.

   Excellent Plus. $1,395.00

5. CUTLASS #34675 Imperial Saxon Hunting Cutlass

   This fine Hunting Cutlass is a fairly long hunting weapon, measuring 20" overall. It is also fairly thin, which could be indicative of a shooting cutlass. The mounts throughout are all in a pleasurable, black finish, which is still just about 100% throughout. The black pommel cap has an acorn shaped nut on the top, with excellent detail to the cap on the end. This acorn also acts as a tang nut. The upper part of the pommel has the usual fluted areas, and the sides below are plain. The ferrule is also plain, matching the pommel very nicely. The crossguard below has plain center sections on both sides, and the quillons run outward in the shape of hooves. The right hoof goes downward, and the left hoof is positioned upward. The area below the crossguard is a fluted clamshell. This clamshell has an applied brass Saxon crest. It is quite striking, having a Saxon crown positioned over the oval shield having the "beehive" design. On either side of the shield, there are lions guarding its royal heritage. It is most interesting to note that the clamshell stays in place when the cutlass is removed, as the clamshell is part of the upper scabbard mount. I have seen this before on Imperial weapons, although it is quite rare to see, and most interesting for Hunting/Forestry collectors. The grip is a beautiful brown and coffee colored genuine stag. This grip curves to the left, as it goes upward. It has fine graining throughout, and it is lighter in tone on the reverse. It is also interesting to note that the stag was obviously picked for its proportion, as the pommel cap and ferrule almost fit exactly with very little trimming required. One of the things that collectors should look for on these hunting pieces is a stag grip that was picked for its dimension. When we see stag grips that are severely trimmed to fit a pommel, this usually points to a post war piece as of course, they were using up whatever stag they had on hand, rather than making selections by dimension, as was done prior to WWII.

   The scabbard shell is a fine leather, which shows very little age. This leather is in choice condition, being black in color, and having decorative twin lines that run the length of both edges. The reverse center is sewn up the rear. The scabbard mounts are a matching black finish, having a straight edge on the upper mount where it meets the shell, and on the lower mount the edge is scalloped. Both mounts are plain, and are retained by matching rivets. The number "12" is quite visible beneath the staples.

   The blade measures 13 1/2". It is a plain blade, having a "slab-side" design, meaning that it is a single edge with ricasso. There is a short, false edge at the upper quillon area. This blade was finished in a matte finish, and it still is in choice condition, showing little age. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the turn of the twentieth century marking, having a king head next to a knight head. Beneath the pair are the firm's initials "W.K.& C.". On the reverse, the ricasso is stamped with the name and location of the distributor that sold this cutlass to this past Imperial time owner. It is stamped, "Carl Brundig/Hofbuchsenmacher/Dresden". Dresden of course, was the capital of Saxony, and nicely ties in with the Saxon crest on the clamshell. This fine blade is protected by a green felt buffer, showing only one small nip on the obverse edge, but otherwise remains perfect. An outstanding cutlass here, and if you are collecting Saxon pieces, this one should be very difficult to resist.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,195.00

6. CUTLASS #34423 Imperial/Weimar Shooting Cutlass

   This Shooting Cutlass is in excellent condition, showing little usage, and having all brass mounts. It measures about 21" overall. The pommel cap has the fluted style top, and instead of an acorn acting as a tang nut, it is just peened over. The edge of the pommel is line accented with twin lines running throughout the circumference. The ferrule exactly matches, also having twin lines decorating its surfaces. The crossguard below is the usual style, having the simulated deer hooves. The center of the crossguard is plain on both sides, and the quillon ends run outward, having hand enhanced "hair", which goes out to nicely shaped hooves at the end. As usual, the right quillon slopes downward, and the left quillon slopes upward. The grip is a very attractive, genuine stag, being extremely light tan in color. It almost has a feminine look to it, it is so light. It also has nice graining, and gently curves to the left, from the down to upward positions. This fine grip is decorated with three acorns, which are the type without leaves. These acorns exactly match the brass of the mounts, an they have extremely fine checkering to the caps. Below the crossguard is a fluted clamshell. A very fine hilt here!

   The scabbard shell is composed of black leather, having the twin accent lines that run the length of both edges. The reverse is sewn up the rear. This leather shows some age and some usage, but it is still in good, sound condition. The matching mounts are all brass, and both have scalloped edges. The upper mount is equipped with a fine acorn shaped lug, having choice hand checkering to the surfaces. The lower mount is plain, having only twin accent lines, which run on the obverse only. These mounts are retained by brass staples in the usual manner. The 16" blade is in extremely fine condition. It is triple etched, and is done in the matte style finish. It is in near mint condition. The obverse and reverse both depict military and hunting motif scenes. There are examples of crossed cannons, shields, axes, swords, drums, standartes, and just about anything you can think of that is connected with hunting and militaria. The spine is etched with laurel leaves. A very nice blade here that has withstood the test of time quite well. The blade is protected by a brown leather washer. A very nice cutlass that has been well cared for over the years.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $595.00

7. CUTLASS #34673 Subordinate Forestry Cutlass with Scabbard Dedication

   This Forestry Cutlass is a fine Third Reich example, having genuine stag grip plates. These grip plates are most attractive, being dark, coffee colored tones, with attractive, raised grains. The edges have turned yellow, making for a pleasant contrast. The cutlass on the obverse has three acorns, being the type that are without leaves. It is extremely interesting to note that on the reverse grip plates, nickel plated rivets having dressed heads have been used without the acorn decoration. Examining the obverse acorns reveals that these rivets were pressed right through the acorns on the obverse, making for a last-for-lifetime installation: these acorns will never fall off ! This is the first time I have seen this method used on a Forestry cutlass, and I must say I like it a lot! The mounts of the hilt are all quality brass. The "D" guard ends in a deer's hoof at the upper portion, and at the lower portion, it goes through the crossguard area, and also ends in a hoof. These hooves have hand-enhanced deer hair leading up to the hoof. Most of the original gilt is still spread around these brass mounts, being about 80%. The ferrule area has sets of twin engraved lines running throughout its length. The lines continue throughout the circumference. Below the crossguard is a fluted clamshell. The clamshell has a small curl that ends at the right, and at the left it curls upward into a teardrop quillon. Attached to the ferrule area is the original troddel. This troddel is the Forestry subordinate type, being produced of textured cotton strapping. The slide and stem are a silk-like material, and the lower ball is green throughout, with stuffing matching the strapping. The strapping, slide, and stem are still in excellent condition, showing only modest wear. The lower ball has a couple of yarn strands that are missing, revealing the wood base beneath.

   The scabbard shell is a black leather type, having twin decorative lines running the length of both edges. The reverse is sewn up in the standard manner. These mounts are basically plain, having an interesting, scalloped ending where they meet the shell. The upper mount has the traditional acorn shaped lug, having good hand enhancing to the cap. The lower mount has twin sets of raised lines running on the obverse, and at the lower there is a typical button-style chape. What is interesting about this cutlass though, is the fact that it was used as a prize in 1938. The reverse upper fitting is beautifully jeweler engraved, "FUR beste LEISTUNGEN/1938/FORSTSCHULE WITTLICH". This dedication basically translates to "The best achiever for 1938 in Forest School Wittlich". I took the liberty of looking up the town of Wittlich, and found that it is part of the Palatinate section of Germany. This was indeed a great area for hunting and forestry groups. The section of Eifel, which is a national nature park reserve, is also located in this area, so you can see that this would have been the perfect spot to have a Forestry school.

   The blade of this example measures thirteen inches. I am happy to say that it is extremely fine, being mint, except for a small area at the tip, where some water must have gotten into the scabbard, and there is a little bit of pitting, but it is not bad. Other than this, the blade is completely bright, with choice, nickel polished finish and having triple etchings. The obverse etching is quite beautiful, with all the frosting in the background. It depicts a large stag chasing after two does, who are on the run through a forest. At the top of the etch, pictured horizontally, is a hunting dog in a pointing position. On the reverse blade, the scene portrays a hunter kneeling underneath a tree, and aiming his rifle at a stag who is chasing off into the forest. At the top of the etch is a chamois, which is one of the rarest game in Germany. The chamois looks very similar to a mountain goat, having a pair of curved horns. This is really a nice blade, having an etch that we do not see very often. The spine has etchings of laurel leaves running down most of its area. The blade is protected by a green felt buffer which shows some age, but the edges are still totally intact throughout this buffer. An outstanding Forestry cutlass here.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,695.00

8. CUTLASS #34596 Subordinate Forestry Cutlass - Carl Eickhorn

   This subordinate Forestry Cutlass is the Eickhorn Model 1189. It is equipped with genuine stag grips, which are in outstanding condition, having very pleasing, brown, coffee colored surfaces with attractive grains. The edges have turned gold on the grip plates. These plates are equipped with six acorns, three on each side. The acorns are the type without leaves, and have excellent, crisp caps. The hilt of this cutlass is composed of fine, solid brass. The brass has some of the original gilding, but it only rates at perhaps, 50%. The "D" guard ends in a hoof at the top, and passes through the crossguard where it ends in an additional hoof at the bottom. The hair on the deer's legs has been hand enhanced. The ferrule has a series of decorative lines, which are engraved horizontally throughout the circumference. Below the crossguard is a fluted clamshell, having a small quillon that travels out to the right, and a larger quillon that goes upward, ending in a teardrop. The scabbard shell is a fine, black leather showing very little age. This leather has no scuffing, and still appears full of life. This black leather scabbard is decorated with twin lines which run the length of both edges, and it is sewn up the rear. An outstanding leather shell here! The scabbard mounts are matching gilded brass. They both have scalloped edges where they meet the leather. The gilding is about the same as the hilt, but it nicely matches. The upper mount has the usual acorn-like lug, and the lower mount is decorated with twin accent lines, and ends in a button chape. The mounts are retained by staples in the usual manner, and you can see numerals beneath the staples. The triple etched, thirteen inch long blade is about as nice as they come. Other than just the slightest of age on the reverse ricasso, this blade remains in full mint condition. The etches are still spectacular, having a fine, frosted background, which enhances the relief work. The obverse etch depicts the kneeling hunter, aiming his rifle at a stag, who is inherent on catching a running deer. Further up, ending the etch, is a game bird positioned on an oak leaf sprig. The reverse etch is the one with the hunter running with rifle and cutlass in his hand after an angry boar who is being attacked by dogs. These etches always remind me of those books we used to look at when we were little kids and the instructions were to find the number of hidden Indians in the design. In this case, the instructions are to find the number of hidden dogs that are shown in the etch. I think that there are six of them, but believe me, you have to look hard to see them all. The end of the etch has a game bird with a long beak coming in to land on an oak tree branch. The upper spine is etched with oak leaves and acorns. Beautiful designs here and nicely preserved. The trademark on this example is the logo used from 1933-1935. It is the small double ovals, which contain the firm's name and location, "Carl Eickhorn/Solingen". In the center of the ovals is a seated squirrel, having serrated tail, and holding a nut in his paws. The original, green, felt buffer is still in place, having a couple of nips on the edges, but otherwise still in good condition. A good, sound, original cutlass here.

   Excellent Plus. $1,495.00

9. CUTLASS #32039C Senior Forestry Cutlass - Siegfried Wafffen

   This maker is very seldom seen on Hunting and Forestry cutlasses and those that are interested in these collectibles will realize that cutlasses with this maker are extremely rare and therefore desirable. This cutlass is also in top condition. The hilt is composed of fine chiseled heavy brass with near 100% fire gilt finish. The D-guard is filled with raised floral-style work ending in a deer hoof at the quillon. The ferrule is also very nicely done, appearing to have a dog on the obverse. Since there is an original-to-the-piece portepee set in place, I cannot tell exactly what the figure is on the reverse ferrule. There is no question, though, that these designs all have extra hand- enhancing and are quite beautiful. There is a clamshell below featuring a shorter rounded edge on the right side and an upward pointing quillon on the left side ending in a swirl. The depiction of the clamshell is an extremely well done stag, having much hand-enhancement throughout his antler rack, eyes, fur and legs. He appears to be running through a forest glen. These designs are very seldom seen due to the rarity of this maker. The grip plates are outstanding, genuine ivory. These plates have turned a fine golden color -more so on the obverse than reverse – and they also have nice graining appearing in the surfaces. The ivory grips are in perfect condition throughout and are complete with the three original acorns on each side. These acorns are the style with two leaves above and have fine enhancing to the checkered caps. Wrapped about the ferrule, the D-guard and the quillon end, is the original forestry troddel. This knot is composed of aluminum bullion having twin green lines running the length. The strapping is still in fine condition, showing only a little bit of staining on the reverse and the slightest signs of wear. The slide is made up of a woven green and aluminum bullion material and the stem is covered in aluminum bullion. The lower acorn-style ball is of yarn-like bullion thread with an insert of green thread. An extremely nice hilt here!

   The scabbard shell is a black leather-type sewn up the rear. It is decorated with twin-lined detail on each side. This leather is still in excellent condition, showing very little age and only the slightest of runner push-out. The scabbard shell is fitted with gilded brass, plain style mounts. The mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather shell and are both retained with staples in the reverse, having a number visible beneath. The lug on the upper mount is fitted with a fine, extra-chiseled, acorn. The lower mount has two sets of twin-lined decoration and ends in a plain button style cap.

   The blade of this example is triple-etched and is about as nice as you will see. It is done in a matte style finish. The etching is extremely precise and crisp. This blade is in full mint condition. The obverse etch starts out with a diamond figure around the head of a stag. Next comes a pointer dog sniffing at a couple of foxes who are also sniffing around a log. The panel ends with a capercaille bird tweeting. The reverse etch pictures another antler in a diamond at the ricasso area; then comes a stag chasing three doe jumping in a forest glen and also ends with an additional capercaille. Beautiful etch here! The spine is etched with laurel leaves. The reverse ricasso has the large Siegfried Waffen figure. This etch in between has an arch shape containing the details of the E. Pack firm. Inside is the hammering figure of Siegfried. The original green felt washer is in place. If you are looking for a superior conditioned cutlass, produced by a rarely seen maker, you will be pleased with this example.

   Near Mint. $2,895.00

10. CUTLASS #32038C Subordinate Forestry Cutlass – Siegfried Waffen

    This Subordinate Forestry Cutlass is produced by a rarely seen maker – the E. Pack Company – and can be seen in the catalog reprinted by Tom Johnson in his Volume II. This exact cutlass is shown as being model #19. The cutlass is a standard brass hilted example. The brass is fairly worn, not having much gilding remaining to the surfaces. This cutlass has a fairly plain design consisting of a D-guard, which begins in a deer’s hoof and flows through the crossguard area in to the quillon end, also into a hoof. The deer’s fur has been nicely hand added. The ferrule is a simple design, having three sets of twin lines running around the circumference. Below is a fluted style clamshell with the left quillon going outward and upward. The hilt grip plates are produced of genuine stag. They are masterfully cut and installed and feature very pleasing grays with colors of tan and brown. The reverse grip plate is a darker color than the obverse. Both grip plates reflect acorns, which are the type without oak leaves. There are three acorns on each side. The acorns on the obverse show a copper color and on the reverse, only the center example does. The upper and lower acorns still retain their original brass look.

    The scabbard shell is composed of black leather, having twin decorative lines running the length of all four edges and the reverse center is sewn up the rear. This leather shows some mild age but is still in excellent condition. The shell is fitted with matching brass mounts, which have scalloped edges and are retained by staples in the reverse. There are numbers visible beneath the staples. The upper mount is equipped with a mount fashioned in the design of an acorn. This acorn also shows some mild surface wear. The lower mount has twin sets of double lines on the obverse only and ends in a plain style button chape.

    The best part of this cutlass, though, has to be the blade. This blade is identical to the design shown on in the Siegfried Waffen catalog. It begins on the obverse with a stag head featured within a diamond. Next, is the etch of two foxes playing around a log with a pointing dog off in the distance. The blade ends with the capercaille tweeting bird. The reverse etch has the same stag and capercaille at the end and in the center, it features a stag chasing three does across some high grass in a forest. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the large Siegfried Waffen trademark. Inside the trademark is an arch shape containing the essentials of the Pack firm. Inside is the hammering Siegfried figure. This blade is in near full mint condition. The spine has a series of laurel leaves running most of the length. There is a small flaw on the obverse of the blade that appears to have probably been there when the blade was originally manufactured. Probably the background frosting would have covered this and now that the blade shows some wear, this small flaw shows slightly. The blade, however, is still in near full mint condition. A very rare cutlass here and if you collect these things by maker, this one should be of real interest.

    Excellent Plus. $1,995.00

11. CUTLASS #33777 Thuringen Hunting Cutlass – Clemen & Jung

    This Thuringen Hunting Cutlass is one of the examples that comes from the Thuringen area where apparently they had their own hunting group using its own symbol. I have seen Thuringen examples before and they are quite rare. We will get to the seal further down in the description. This piece is in untouched condition being rather dirty throughout but it is still all there. The outside mounts could easily be cleaned by the next owner if desired. I myself kind of like the original patina as it tends to speak of the history of the cutlass. This example recently came from a yard sale from of all places Staten Island! The pommel has the fluted surfaces with a round ball on the top that acts as a tang nut. Below the cap the pommel’s edges are lined with four sets of accents. The ferrule below is interesting in that it matches the pommel with the line decorations except it has more lines than I have ever seen on a hunting cutlass and they all appear to be hand cut. There are nine lines that run around the circumference! The crossguard below is the standard type having deer-like hoof quillon ends having sculpted hair on the lower legs and hoof area. The left quillon arm tips upward and the right tips downward. The grip of this example is a fine piece of genuine antler. This antler has lots of dark brown, light brown and golden tones to its grain. The grip is a very nice example chosen for its curvature to the left. This grip is decorated with three oval bosses on the obverse side matching the other mounts. The clamshell below is the usual fluted type but different from others it has an applied crest from the Thuringen Gau. This crest consists of an upward standing lion clutching a mobile swastika in his right paw. The lion has a crown on his head and his tail is curved nicely. If you are not familiar with the Thuringen seal you can see an example in Johnson’s Volume II on page 294, upper left. The piece shown is from the Robert McCarthy collection. I have had other cutlasses with this insignia in the past.

    The scabbard shell is a black leather. The leather has twin decorative lines on both sides of the edges and it is sewn up the rear. The leather shows some minor scuffing and age but all of this is easily done away with by just a little usage of some Meltonian shoe cream. Basically the leather on this cutlass is still in very good condition. The scabbard mounts are matching silvered surfaces with the same patination. The mounts are scalloped on the edges where they meet the leather shell. These mounts are retained by matching staples. The upper mount has a plain style acorn lug and the lower mount has dual line decoration with a plain leather chape button.

    The slab side blade is a real beauty measuring 14½ inches. This mint conditioned blade features triple etched seams. The obverse depicts a perpendicular positioned hunter at rest holding a shotgun. The hunter’s details are extraordinary and he is wearing a fine mustache and has a pointer dog at his side. Further up the etch direction switches to horizontal depicting a stag and doe in a glen of trees happily eating away on the leaves and grass. Further down from this is a stag head having a cutlass between his antlers and below is a hunting game bag, a hunting horn and crossed oak leaf sprigs. The scenes end with a pair of game birds sitting in grass staring at each other. On the reverse side the blade depicts a perpendicular positioned grand stag in some trees and then it becomes horizontal again with a dog sniffing after a couple of foxes around a log. Further down the scenes become perpendicular once again and they depict a game bag with hunting horn, cutlass, a smaller hunting horn and what looks to be a bottle of schnapps. Above the game bag is a stag and a doe standing together beneath two fir trees. The spine is etched with laurel style leaves running nearly the full length. This beautiful blade is plain on the obverse but on the reverse has the logo of the Clemen & Jung firm deeply stamped into the surface. It consists of a crown over a shield. In the center of the shield is the letter, “Z”. The red felt buffer is in place showing little usage. A very fine cutlass here that would really clean up nice if someone wanted to do so. Cutlasses with the Thuringen seal are very desirable.

    Excellent. $1,695.00

12. CUTLASS #33821 M-1871 Jäger Bayonet – W.K. & C.

    This Jäger Bayonet is a substantial example measuring overall 25½ inches. The hilt is an all polished steel affair. The steel still appears free of rust but does not look as though it ever had a plated surface. The pommel is in the shape of a bird’s head with beak pointing to the left. There is a mortise button and lock that is fitted into the pommel area and all parts work as per factory specs. The lower portion of the bayonet has a crossguard which has an upward pointing quillon end at the left and at the right it is circular where it was designed to clear the barrel of a rifle. The grip plates are black checkered bake-o-lite. They are still in good condition showing some minor wear but no breaks or problems. The grip plates are retained by five rivets, two being on each end and one in the center. All heads on both sides are dressed. The scabbard is a long leather shell. The shell shows quite a bit of age and cracking in the surfaces but it does have some nurturing material on it to preserve it. Other than the fact that some of the stitching is split on the reverse the leather is still fairly sound. The scabbard mounts match the hilt having instead of steel surfaces, a nickel-plated surface. The upper mount is a short style example with scalloped edge and a lug fashioned in an oval design with twin line decoration in the center. The lower mount is also scalloped and has staples holding it on both sides.

    The most impressive blade is 19¾ inches in length. It is a real beauty having a quill back edge. This blade has a wide fuller that runs about three quarters of the length. The blade’s tip is still factory like and perfect. This blade shows only the most nominal of age and is nearly in full mint condition. It is triple etched. The obverse area depicts a perpendicular positioned large stag at the beginning and then there are designs of a pointing dog looking at a couple of foxes around a log. Further down is a hunting bag with various hunting implements and above at the end is a stag and doe below two fir trees. The reverse design features a hunter with shotgun standing at the beginning with a dog at his legs. Next comes a doe and stag eating leaves from a tree and then a stag head with cutlass above being positioned over a hunting bag with hunting implements. The design ends with two game birds in grass. The substantial spine is very wide having crisp edges. There is a series of laurel leaves that are etched halfway down the blade until the spot where the quill back begins. These Jäger bayonets were worn by personnel who were military people and were skilled at shooting and hunting. Jäger personnel for instance made great marksmen as well as other specialties. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the king head on the left and a knight head on the right. Below this is the firm’s initials, “W.K.&C.”. This trademark was used during the 1890s. These Jäger bayonets are a popular item to add to a hunting forestry collection. Lots of beef here for the money!

    Excellent. $1,495.00

13. CUTLASS #33782 Imperial High Quality Personalized Skinning Knife

    This early Imperial Skinning Knife is of very high quality workmanship and materials. The pommel and ferrule are plain brass style mounts. The flat portion of the pommel top has some professionally done engraving. The engraving is done in beautiful Gothic letters, “T. Abels / von / W.Stein”. It appears that Herr Abels received this knife as a gift from Herr Stein. The quillon and crossguard are made of steel and the quillon ends in a rounded upward pointing top. The grip is a very beautiful extremely dark piece of genuine stag. This stag curves to the left and its surfaces have lots of high rise graining. The color tones are deep coffee brown and the lower areas and the higher areas of the grain have a much lighter contrasting color. There is lots of dust and signs of a hundred years still within the grained areas. A great looking hilt here. The 5 ¼-inch length blade has a single edge with false edge at the top. The spine of this knife is an extremely large proportion type and really gives quality to the blade. This blade is beautifully worked and has a fine polish to it. There is some age rusting on each side of the ricasso and some minor age in the blade surfaces but overall it is not bad at all and still retains its original brightness. This type of knife would have been carried by a hunter to be used as a skinner or other utilitarian purposes during the hunt. This is not the kind of thing that is going to break no matter how it is used. A very, very substantial high quality knife. The original scabbard is a brown leather shell. The shell is shaped to the contours of the blade. It appears as though there might have been at one time an upper mount and a lower mount on this leather but they have gone to time. This is not a big deal as the main portion of this knife is the beautiful hilt and the blade. If you have been looking for an authentic early skinner to go with your hunting exhibit this would be a hard to match piece.

    Excellent Plus. $595.00

14. CUTLASS #27342 Subordinate's Forestry Cutlass - Alcoso

    This is a fine quality forestry cutlass with top-notch quality brass fittings. The “d” guard also acts as a cross guard and it has quillons which end in deers’ hooves. The hooves have had hair hand-engraved into the brass surfaces. The ferrule is a line design type. Below the cross guard area, there is a fluted clamshell. The clamshell has a flared teardrop at the right side and also another flared teardrop which goes up much further on the left side. This fine cutlass still has most of the original gilding across its surfaces. It looks to have about 95%. The grip plates are made of genuine stag antler. These plates have good looking brown and tan colors in the surface grains. The edges are a golden antique color. The grip plates have been cut and installed by a master. They are decorated with the three original acorn nuts. These nuts are the type which do not have leaves on their edges and they have fine checkering to their acorn caps. Tied about the ferrule and “d” guard is an original-to-the-piece forestry cutlass troddel. This troddel is for a senior cutlass, but, nonetheless, it appears to have always been on this example. The strapping consists of aluminum textured bullion have twin grain lines which run the length. There is a slide which consists of green and bullion “v” weaves and the stem is the flat type having crochet-like bullion covering its metal surfaces below. The ovaled bullion ball is of yarnlike aluminum material and it has a green cat’s anus style cloth stuffing. There is no fraying to this forestry knot and it is in near mint condition. The shell of this example is a standard black leather type having twin line decoration to both of the obverse and reverse edges. The reverse center is sewn up. The scabbard mounts are brass, having fine gilding nicely matching the hilt. These mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather and the lower example is twin-line decorated with button style chape. The upper example has an acorn which doubles as a lug. These scabbard mounts are staple held. Attached to the upper mount is an original-to-the-piece green leather frog. The leather on the reverse is a brown color. This frog is in excellent condition and it has a “d” ring at the top. The “d” ring appears to be nickel plated and is retained by a sewn green leather flap. Nice to see these cutlasses complete with the accouterments! The slab sided blade of this example is triple-etched and measures 13 inches in length. The blade is still nice and bright, having its original frosted backgrounds. This blade is in near full mint condition. The obverse etch portrays a pointer dog who is sniffing at two foxes playing around a log. The etch ends with two game birds sitting in a grassy knoll. The reverse etch has three doe running through a forest glen closely trailed by a young stag. The deer are in the middle of a forest glen having trees on both sides. There is overlapping laurel leaves which complete the spine etch. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark used from 1937-39. It consists of a set of scales having the firm’s initials “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales in an arch is the block-lettered name of the firm “Alcoso”. Below is the firm name of “Solingen”. The blade is protected by an in-place green felt buffer. This buffer shows only mild age. An excellent cutlass here and, as most collectors know, for some reason there are more senior cutlasses than there are subordinate examples. Also, Alcoso is not a commonly seen type. Fine example here.

    Near Mint. $1,995.00

15. CUTLASS #28019 National Hunting Association Cutlass - Unmarked E. & F. Hörster

    This hunting cutlass does not appear to have been cleaned since the war and it is in first rate condition throughout. The hilt fittings are plated silver types. The pommel cap is an extremely large example because the stag grip beneath is also a large proportioned piece of antler. This cap has the usual flutes which go outward from the center area and there is a simulated acorn at the top which also acts as the blade tang nut. The detail to the acorn cap is all hand-rendered. The sides of the pommel have the usual twin line decoration. The ferrule below is plain with two sets of twin lines. The cross guard is the standard up-and-down variety, having a left quillon pointing upward and a right quillon pointing downward. Both end in deer’s hooves and there is lots of simulated hair which has been hand-rendered. Below the cross guard is a fluted clamshell. All of these fittings are black with patination and look terrific. Setting them off, though, is a huge stag handle. This antler is extremely beautiful, having brown and tan colors in the surfaces as well as beautiful knobs and grains. The antler is so large that it is almost out of proportion to the piece. I like this look a lot though, and as is typical with the original producers, the piece of antler is almost the same size as the mounts, requiring little trimming. (Be careful of the stag grips that are highly trimmed, as usually this is a post-war giveaway.) The scabbard shell is a soft material base being covered with fine grained leather. The leather work is so well done that I really do not even see a seam. This scabbard shell does not have the usual twin decorative lines which run up the edges of both sides – sometimes the Alcoso pieces do not have them either. The shell is complete with the upper and lower mounts. These mounts are the style which have scalloped ends where they meet the leather. The lower mount has two sets of twin decorative lines on the obverse only and the chape button is nicely formed at the bottom. The upper mount has the usual acorn depiction which acts as a lug for a carrying frog. Unfortunately, the frog has gone to time. These mounts are retained by staples in the usual manner. The overall length of this fine cutlass is just about 20 inches. The stone mint blade measures 13 inches. This beautiful blade has triple-etched hunting scenes. The obverse scene depicts the boar being attacked by dogs with the hunter close behind grasping a rifle in his right hand and a dagger in his left. The end panel is finished off with a humming-like bird. The reverse blade depicts the scene of the hunter kneeling while aiming a rifle and there is a large stag and deer jumping over a log. The panel ends with a capercaille sitting on an oak leaf sprig whistling. The frosting behind the etch is absolutely 100% and really highlights the relief. The spine is etched with laurel leaves. A very beautiful blade here and the best you will see. The blade is buffered by the original green felt washer. This is an outstanding hunting cutlass which, judging by the fittings and blade, was definitely produced by the E & F Hörster Company. It would have been sold through a hunting shop thus the lack of manufacturer on the blade. I forgot to mention above, but the center of the grip obverse has a matching silver patinated insignia which is that of the Deutsche Jägerschaft. It depicts a stag’s head which in between his antlers is a raid cross and an inscribed swastika in the center. On either side of the deer’s head are the initials of the organization “D.J.”. This is a very fine insignia. If you are looking to have just one hunting cutlass in your collection, it would be very difficult to upgrade this beautiful impressive example.

    Uncleaned. Near Mint. $2,495.00

16. CUTLASS #30547 Deluxe Short Forestry Cutlass – Unmarked WKC

    This is a very interesting cutlass that was apparently ordered specially, as it is a combination of WKC’s Model 92 and Model 1051. The piece is identical to the 1051 model, except for the clamshell. This piece, though, is identical to the No. 1051, except for this clamshell. The hilt is an outstanding example having gilded brass mounts. The “d” guard is decorated with overlapping oak leaves and acorns and ends in a deer’s hoof. Where it goes through the cross guard area, it has a crossed ribbon. After this, there is a short quillon area and once again, it ends in a deer’s hoof. The ferrule above has four lines and in the center there is a band section which has lines running perpendicular through its circumference. These lines were all applied by hand. The clamshell is the type that depicts a pointing dog positioned in a forest glen. The right side of the clamshell has a small swirl quillon, whereas, the left side example also has a longer quillon ending in a swirl. The gilded surfaces throughout this hilt are about 85% - 90%. The grip plates are of genuine ivory. They have toned nicely to a golden color and both are in perfect condition. This piece has the leaf style acorns which are the large to small variety that we only see on WKC pieces. The top acorn is the largest and the lower acorn is the smallest. This provides a great effect to the eye. The scabbard is formed of a black leather shell. This shell shows little age, being sewn up the reverse and being decorated with twin lines on both the obverse and the reverse. The scabbard mounts are gilded brass, exactly matching those of the hilt. These scabbard mounts are quite elaborate, having a decorated lug on the upper mount which resembles a gold nugget. Actually, it is a series of overlapping oak leaves that really does give the nugget effect. The lower mount is stamped with crossed sprigs of oak leaves at the bottom panel and the panel above has one sprig of oak leaves and acorns. These panels are separated by a series of two twin lines. The reverse of the fitting is plain and the chape is the style that is pearled around a lower ball. These beautiful mounts are retained by staples and it is possible to see the number “70” beneath the staples. The outstanding short blade is only 9½”. It is triple-etched and has its full factory brightness. Other than a couple of minor age marks on the reverse ricasso, this blade is still in mint condition. It has 100% of the silver backgrounds highlighting the raised etch. The obverse panel depicts the running hunter with shotgun in one arm and cutlass in the other. He is chasing a wild boar which is in the process of shaking off a number of dogs. There are animals flying all over in this depiction. The detail to the trees, leaves and grass around the action is outstanding. The reverse blade is the style which depicts the kneeling hunter firing at a stag who is in chase of a doe as both jump over a falling tree. Once again, the shrubbery, fir trees, grass and oak leaves really look good on this etch. The etch is so crisp you can see the determination in the hunter’s face as he aims his rifle. The upper spine is nicely etched with what looks to be laurel leaves. There is no maker mark on this blade but as indicated above, this piece was made by WKC. There is a thick brown leather washer in place which appears original to this fine cutlass. If you are a hunting forestry collector, I am sure that you do not have this combination. I do not remember seeing this mix of WKC pieces in the past. It shows you, though, that the factories would virtually do anything that a customer required. Assumedly, there would have been an extra charge levied for this piece. An outstanding cutlass here and in nice condition to boot.

    Excellent Plus Plus. $2,895.00

17. CUTLASS #24070 National Hunting Association Cutlass - Clemen and Jung

    This Hunting Association cutlass has never been cleaned and reflects total black patination over its silvered fittings. It really looks good and has much appeal to those of us out there that like this untouched look. I personally think there is nothing that looks better than coal black silver! The Clemen and Jung produced Hunting Cutlasses are quite rare. This one is very beautiful and I believe is the first of its type that I have offered. The hilt has a pommel cap which has the normal ringed edges and flared out lines on the top section. The fluted lines are covered in the center by a round cap which also acts as a tang nut. This round cap is different from any other tang retaining assembly I remember seeing on hunting cutlasses. It certainly would be exclusive to Clemen and Jung. The crossguard is the standard up and down style which depicts deer's hooves. The hair of the hooves and legs is all hand done. The ferrule is a choice example having two raised out lines for decoration, instead of the usual cut in style. The ferrule and crossguard are also of a slimmer proportion than what we usually see. The clamshell is a standard type which has beautiful fluting. These fittings, as stated above, are still all black and they are of a slightly smaller proportion than what we normally see. The grip is of antler and it has been hand picked to nearly fit these mounts naturally with very little chiseling. This impressive stag is of a darker color brown and it has fine raised grain areas with appealing golden toning where it has been trimmed slightly to fit both the pommel and the ferrule. Pinned into the center of the antler grip is a National Hunting Association insignia. It consists of a stag head with a swastika superimposed over the cross which lies between the antlers. On either side of the deer's head respectively, are the initials of the organization, "D.J." The silvering still remains throughout this hunting insignia. The scabbard shell is a fine green leather covered example. The base material is probably a composition. This leather still remains in good condition showing only mild age and still having all of its surface graining. There is a little bit of runner push-out, but not much. The scabbard mounts are matching patinated silvered type. They both have scalloped designs where they meet the leather. The bottom mount has a standard button style chape and is line decorated. The upper mount has no decoration and is fitted with an acorn lug. The cap of the acorn is deeply hand cut. These mounts are retained by silvered staples in the usual manner and there are numbers visible beneath the staples. The blade of this example is a very fine high quality triple etched slab side type and it measures 13-inches in length. This blade is in mint condition. It features a perpendicular placed etching instead of the horizontal type most producers portray. The obverse blade features two panels which are flanked by floral designs at the beginning, center and end. The first panel depicts a stag jumping in a forest glen and the second panel portrays a fox with a rabbit in his mouth standing beneath trees. The reverse blade has a repeat motif with floral designs, except it has actually three panels instead of two. The first panel features dogs attempting to pull down a boar, the second has a stag and a doe standing in a forest glen eyeing each other up, and the third panel depicts two game birds in some high grass. Beautiful designs here and every minute detail is clear as a bell. The spine reflects laurel leafing throughout. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a small shield having a crown over its top. Within the shield is the capital letter, "Z", being the logo for the Clemen and Jung firm. There is a new-like black leather washer in place which has perfectly protected this choice blade. A great piece here for those collecting Hunting Forestry types.

    Near Mint. $2,295.00

18. CUTLASS #27467 Subordinate's Forestry Cutlass - Carl Eickhorn

    This example is constructed of fine quality brass mounts. It is the Model No. 1189 which appears in the Eickhorn catalogue. The “d” guard is of fairly smooth surfaces having lined borders and at the beginning and end there is a simulated deer hoof. The hair of the hoof is hand-chiseled at the areas just above. The ferrule area is simply line decorated. Below the cross guard area formed by the “d” guard, there is a clamshell. This clamshell has a fluted surface and at the left side, it has a flared quillon end which goes upward in a teardrop. The grip plates are made of genuine stag antler. This antler has most attractive dark brown and tan grains with good surfaces. The edges of the stag have turned a pleasing golden color. These grip plates were cut and installed by a master craftsman. The grip plates are decorated with three leafless nuts. These nuts have fine checkered caps and all six are present and are original to this cutlass. The leather shell is a black color and is in excellent condition, showing little to no age. This shell has decorative twin lines on the obverse and reverse and the reverse is sewn tight. Mounted to the shell are brass upper and lower fittings. These fittings have scalloped ends where they meet the leather and they are retained by staples in the usual manner. There are numbers visible beneath the staples. The lower fitting has twin line decoration with a distinct chape button at the lower, and the upper mount is fitted with an acorn style lug. The blade of this example is as nice as you will see. It measures 13 inches and is triple-etched. This blade is still bright and has all of its frosting in the backgrounds. The blade is in a mint condition. The obverse etch features a hunter kneeling and aiming his rifle at a large stag chasing after a doe jumping over a log. At the upper portion of the etch is a capercaille bird which is sitting on an oak branch chirping. The reverse blade is the etch featuring the hunter running after a boar who is being pounced upon by dogs. The hunter carries a rifle and a cutlass. There are six dogs which are trying to bring this boar down. Some are succeeding, while others are being thrown on their heads. The etch ends up with a humming-bird like which is hovering above an oak-leafed branch. The spine is etched with overlapping oak leaves. The blade of this example is stamped with the early double oval trademark which traps the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Inside is a rabbit-like squirrel eating a nut with serrated tail. This trademark was used from about 1933-35. The green felt washer is still in place. A fine cutlass here in excellent, collectible condition.

    Near Mint. $1,695.00

19. CUTLASS #33638C Deluxe Short Forestry Cutlass - Carl Eickhorn

    This Deluxe Short Forestry Cutlass is the top of the line ordered from the Eickhorn firm. It was their model number “1713”. The cutlass hilt is an aluminum base having fine gilded finish. In the case of this example the gilding is still just about 100% showing little wear. The “D” guard is quite elaborate on this deluxe model. It features at the top and bottom a deer hoof design having fine hand enhanced hair throughout the depiction. The center area as well as the cross guard area feature overlapping acorn leaves with mixed acorns. The cross guard passes through the center area with a downward plunge to the hoof design. The ferule area has raised overlapping oak leaves in the center with lined decoration on either side. Below the cross guard is a fine clam shell device which has the depiction of a raised out game bird. This bird is tweeting while standing on a branch of an oak tree. The detail throughout the feathering, eye, beak and feet is outstanding. The grip plates of this example are genuine ivory. The obverse plate has very beautiful green and gold toning running throughout the surfaces. The reverse is also slightly golden toned but not as dramatic as the obverse. Both of these grip plates are decorated with acorns having dual leaves above the nut. The gilded finish to the acorn is still visible in the recesses but for the most part the surfaces are worn to the copper base. A very fine hilt here!

    The scabbard shell is of black leather being decorated with twin accent lines running the length of both sides. The leather is sewn up the rear. The leather shows a little bit of nominal age but nothing that would not come out perfect if a little black Meltonian shoe cream was used on the surfaces. The scabbard shell is fitted with brass based gilded mounts. These mounts have an elaborate scalloped edge where they meet the shell. The upper mount is fitted with an acorn style lug. The cap of the acorn is nicely hand enhanced. The obverse of the lower mount features a panel which displays a baying stag with his head upward. The stag is positioned in a forest glen and is standing next to a fallen tree. A very beautiful highly familiar Eickhorn design. At the bottom is a chape which features beading running all the way around the circumference. The front of the mount is in perfect condition whereas the reverse shows just a little bit of carrying usage but no real dings.

    The upper mount is also equipped with an original-to-the-piece frog. This frog is showing some wear but is still intact being the style with “V” notch which catches under the lug. There is a closed box clip at the top. The short style triple etched blade is also a fine example. This blade depicts on the obverse the common scene of a kneeled hunter aiming his rifle at a scattering stag and doe. The two animals are jumping over a fallen tree as they run through the forest. The backgrounds have 100% of their original contrasting gray. The reverse etch depicts a hunter running with a rifle in his left hand and a cutlass in his right. His dogs are running in front of him trying to tackle a very angry looking wild boar. It is doubtful that the dogs are winning this battle as there are dogs feet and tails flying all over the place. Like the obverse, this blade side is also has 100% of the gray background. This blade is in almost near full mint condition. The upper spine features oak leaves and acorns and also has the raised out name of the of the popular Eickhorn distributor “W. Michovius Cottbus”. Apparently, Eickhorn had a fine relationship with this firm as many times we see cutlasses having this distributor’s name. It is also a great security blanket to see this as to date, no Eickhorn blades have been reproduced having this distributor name. The reverse ricasso is deeply stamped with the 1935-41 trademark. It consists of a seated squirrel holding a downward pointing sword and the word “Original” above and below the name and location of the firm “Eickhorn Solingen”. The original green felt buffer is in place. If you are looking for an original forestry cutlass showing just a little bit of carrying time, this example is for you. These cutlasses are most beautiful and if you like combinations of ivory, gold and leather (and who doesn’t?) I’m sure that you’ll enjoy putting this cutlass up on your wall.

    Excellent Plus. $1,995.00

20. CUTLASS #32802 National Rifle Association Cutlass - Carl Eickhorn

    This Shooting Cutlass is in extremely fine condition. It does have the usual crack around the grip but this is more or less a “given” with these daggers and as long as there is no material missing, it is quite acceptable. Other than this flaw, this cutlass is really in outstanding condition throughout. The pommel cap is the style having a fluted surface and then there is a screw at the top which acts as a tang nut. The edges of this pommel are dual lined for decoration. The nickel plated surfaces are perfect throughout. The ferrule is also lined with four engravings and it is tapered downward. The cross guard center block area and quill on arms are smooth and at the left side the arms go upward and at the right side the arms go downward with both ending in nicely decorated acorn quillons. The plating is also perfect on these mounts. The clamshell is a very fine example, having decorations of overlapping oak leaves and acorns on the left and laurel leaves with berries on the right. In the center is the applied insignia of this organization. It is a round medallion which features a black eagle in the center with a target on his breast area. Around the border of the medallion in black is written the name of the organization “DEUTSCHER SCHÜTZEN-VERBAND”. These words are separated by swastikas which are the only swastikas that appear on these cutlasses. This medallion is pinned into place as is the norm on Eickhorn cutlasses. The two pins are bent over on the reverse. The grip is a fine fluted celluloid over a carved wood base. The celluloid has turned a nice ivory-like color. As mentioned above, there is a crack in the celluloid which runs around the upper area but, fortunately, there is no material missing. This is a common occurrence, as the wood below the celluloid dries out and causes an eggshell-like situation. In the center of the grip is a set of crossed target rifles which are gilded. A very fine hilt here will full plated surfaces. This is unusual to see as the base metal is aluminum. The scabbard leather is also in very fine condition. It is of black color, having twin decorative lines on both sides and sewn up the rear. This leather only shows nominal age and is still nice and supple. The scabbard shell is fitted with an upper and lower mount. These two mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather and they are retained by staples in the reverse. The obverse upper mount is equipped with a round lug which acts to hold a frog. Unfortunately, there is no frog and these accouterments have to be amongst the rarest of all as they always seem to be missing. The blade of this example measures nearly 16” in length. It is a beauty though, being triple etched. The blade has a very fine etch with all background frosting intact. This blade is in full mint condition. The obverse etch consists of a floral section starting it out and then there is a target with shooting hat on the top and crossed rifles behind it. Ending the scene is a shooter aiming at a buck and a doe jumping over a log. There is more floraling after this. On the opposed side, the beginning area features the floral motif and then there is a scene in oak leaves consisting of a boar’s head over a hunting bag with cutlass, shotgun and hunting horn below. After this comes a hunting dog chasing a large stag over a fence. The panel is finished with more floral motif. The spine is etched with fine laurel raised figures. A really beautiful blade here. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel. This squirrel has a downward pointing sword and above the animal is the word “original.” Below is the firm’s name and location “Eickhorn Solingen”. The original green leather blade buffer is in place. If you are looking for a fine shooting cutlass, this example really fills the bill.

    Near Mint. $2,895.00

21. CUTLASS #32043C National Rifle Association Cutlass – Carl Eickhorn

    This National Rifle Association Cutlass is a long weapon, measuring overall about 22 ½ inches. It is also lightweight as the hilt mounts are an aluminum base material, being nickel-plated. The pommel cap has a fluted top with a screw device that also acts as a tang nut. The edges of the pommel are decorated with twin lines running around the circumference. This motif is followed on the ferrule below. The ferrule has four decorative lines. The crossguard has a plain center area and there are quillons going upward at the left and downward at the right, ending in the shape of well-formed acorns. Below the crossguard is a clamshell. This clamshell has a wreath decoration of oak leaves on the left and laurel leaves on the right. In the center is a copper colored button, having the name of the organization in enamel around the outside border. Inside features a black, half-open winged eagle with a target in the center of the bird. This button shows some age and a few taps here and there, but most of the enamel is still there and there are the usual two swastikas between the words spelling out the organization, “Deutscher schützen verband.” This, of course, is “German Shooting Association.” The grip of this example is the usual fluted, wood base, coated with off-white celluloid. The celluloid has the usual crack and in this case, it runs completely around the center area. This is somewhat good in that the pinned crossed brass rifles tend to hold the celluloid in place. There is also a small crack above the rifles, but it its very minor and there is no material missing. It is extremely difficult to find one of these grips totally intact. Most collectors can be satisfied with the cracking, as is normal. The scabbard of this example is a black leather shell equipped with decorative twin lines running the length of the edges. The reverse of the scabbard is sewn up the center. The scabbard is equipped with matching nickel-plated mounts. These mounts are scalloped on the edges where they meet the leather. They are retained by staples in the usual fashion and there are numbers visible beneath the staples. The leather of this scabbard is in choice condition, showing only the most modest of age. The blade of this example is extremely nice. It has a fine nickeled base with long etched panels on each side. The obverse, which is unique to the Eickhorn patterns, is etched with a set of crossed rifles, a target and a shooting hat above it. After this, there is a hunter positioned to shoot his rifle at a stag and doe jumping over a log. The pattern ends with floral designs. The reverse blade has a scene featuring a boar’s head over a hunting bag with rifle and cutlass. In the center there is a dog chasing a stag jumping over a fence. The end of the etch has more floraling. The spine has a series of laurel leaves running throughout. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel. The original leather buffer is in place. A good, solid example here; certainly not in mint condition, but very collectible as these cutlasses are difficult to find. They were made late in the period and not many were produced. Further, this example really has a nice blade.

    Excellent. $2,795.00

22. CUTLASS #31579C Subordinate Forestry Cutlass with Eagle and Swastika Ferrule in Original Sash – F. W. Höller

    This Forestry Cutlass is a rare example in itself, let alone still being in its original bullion trimmed carrying sash. The cutlass is the subordinate variety. It is an aluminum hilt that was probably produced as the war was beginning. The gild throughout the aluminum shows some age and wear, but overall, is still 70%-80%. The design has the standard “D-guard,” which is enhanced with raised oak leaf and acorn motifs on both sides. The D-guard travels through the crossguard area with additional oak leaves and acorns ending in a deer’s hoof at the quillon. The detail is quite good throughout this D-guard. Above the D-guard is a built-in ferrule. This ferrule has the stubby-winged political eagle clutching a wreathed swastika in the design. The eagle is not particularly precise and the swastika was cut-in as a finish item rather than being cast into the design, but nevertheless, this was how Höller originally produced this product. Below the hilt is a clamshell, having the long left sweeping upward quillon and depicting a large stag with his head down ready for action. The grip plates are the genuine antler variety and they are nicely cut and masterfully set. These grip plates are a pleasing brown tone, having nice graining throughout. The acorns decorating each side are the type with the two oak leaves and stem at the top. The reverse ferrule, incidentally, depicts a raised out rabbit. The scabbard consists of a black leather shell sewn up the rear and decorated with twin lines running the length of both edges. The mounts are a gilded brass type, showing minor wear and having about 50% of the original gild. These mounts are retained with the large style staples. The upper mount is equipped with an acorn serving as a lug and the lower mount has two sets of plain lines with a plain lower chape button. Attached to the lug is the original owner’s gala dress sash. This sash is a beautiful green silk material, which is trimmed with silver bullion tress on both edges. These sashes were worn over the right shoulder and the cutlass hung at the left side of the waist. This sash shows only nominal age and is still in good crisp condition. This cutlass would certainly make a great display on a mannequin. The blade of this example is a triple etch type. The etch runs perpendicular to the blade, not the usual horizontal variety. The obverse depicts a large stag at the ricasso below a tree. Above this is a hunting bag with horn and shotgun. Above this is a dog with prey in his mouth and the etch ends in a floral design. The reverse blade is very similar having a running deer below a tree and upward from the animal is a hunting bag with sword and rifle. Above this is a large stag head and floral designs finish the etch. The blade has a little bit of age graying to the surfaces, but it is not bad and the designs are still crisp with good frosted backgrounds. The spine is etched with laurel leaves. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the double ovals used by this firm. These ovals contain the firm’s name, “F. W. Höller, Solingen.” Inside is a thermometer, having too many digits to count. The original green felt buffer is in place. This cutlass is not in mint condition, but it is certainly a very rare design with an even rarer sash accoutrement. A great addition to the hunting/forestry collector.

    Excellent Plus. $3,995.00

23. CUTLASS #30047 Imperial Hirschfanger with Skinner

    This imperial hirschfanger is an early piece and is quite unusual in that it is finished in silver fittings instead of the usual brass for imperial pieces. The silvered fittings appear to have had some old lacquer put on them to preserve their finish but the patination has long ago covered the silvering. The pommel cap is kind of an interesting piece in that it is flared up to the rim and the upper portion is smooth. There is one decorative line around the edge. This pommel is retained by a peened over tang. The ferrule below nicely matches the silvering of the pommel having twin line decoration. The crossguard is a straight type which has quillon arms that go outward in a square shape and then become rounded in the shape of acorns at the quillons. The center blocks of both sides are plain. Below the crossguard is a small style fluted clamshell. The grip of this example exactly fits the pommel and the ferrule. The fitting process was extremely well done. The grip is a nice shape which rather than being rounded has almost three square sides. The antler has nice grain to it and varies in colors from tan to darker brown. The scabbard shell is made of black leather having decorative lines on the edges and sewn up the rear. This leather shows age throughout but is still in sound condition. The scabbard mounts are matching silvered type. The mounts have scalloped style edges where they meet the shell and the upper scabbard has the bulged area which is meant for making a pocket to secure the skinning knife. The original skinning knife is still in place. Its flat stag grip plates exactly match that of the current stag grip above. The knife shows some old sharpening and is a plain finish style. It also has a false edge at the top. A nice original skinner here! The upper scabbard fitting is complete with wire ears, one on each side, which would have acted to hold a thonged style hunting frog. The blade of this example is a plain type having single edge and fairly large fuller. This blade measures about 14-inches overall and shows some signs of sharpening along the edge. Overall though the blade is in pretty good shape still being mostly bright and rating at about excellent plus. There is a green felt original buffer protecting the blade. The blade does not go all the way into the scabbard as the leather has shrunk slightly. There is about one inch which remains out of the scabbard.

    Excellent Plus. $995.00

24. CUTLASS #28140 DAF Dedicated Hunting Cutlass

    This cutlass appears to be a private purchase style example having stag grip plates and massive bowie style blade. The piece measures overall about 15 inches. It is of heaviest metal and of highest quality throughout. The grip plates are antler, very large, and have been shaped to the tang of the cutlass. These plates have a rounded pommel area and they thin slightly on the downward slope and then flare outward in the center area, making for a sturdy handhold. The antler is very beautiful, having attractive brown and tan color tones mixed in the graining. The edges have turned a golden tone and there is also gold tones in the outer edges of the grip graining. There is a hole which has been factory drilled through the center of the grip at the pommel top. Assumedly, this hole would have been used for the tying of a rawhide thong loop or similar effort. At the lower portion of the obverse grip, there is a partial round drilling of the stag. This partial drilling accommodates a cog wheel and swastika device which are the emblems of the Deutsche Arbeit Front. The insignia appears to be made of aluminum, having very crisp teeth to the cog wheel. The inside swastika is a pierced variety and is the mobile type. The surfaces of the swastika are intricately checkered. Behind this insignia on the stag base, there has been applied a red coloring. This, of course, accents the insignia. This coloring appears to have been done prior to the installation of the DAF insignia. Below the stag grip is a simple steel nickel plated up-and-down hunting style cross guard. The quillon ends are in a teardrop shape. The blade of this example is an extremely fine bowie style constructed example. It is 9 inches in length and has a blade edge which accommodates about half of the lower portion of the blade. There is also a short ricasso and consistent with bowie style knives, there is a false edge at the upper area which extends to almost the midway point. This blade is still bright, showing only minor age. On the obverse center area, there is a three-line dedication. The dedication is “In dankbarer Erinnerung/Ernst Bickel, Hannah Freitag,/Peter Schütz, Anne Schütz.” This dedication seems to thank the memory of these four people. It is interesting to note that two of the people are women in this case. For the most part, women are seldom mentioned on Third Reich edged weapons, so, perhaps, these people were connected with the labor unions that would have controlled both male and female personnel under the NSDAP. This piece is one of a kind and absolutely original. The blade also has some minor sharpening, but it is nothing. The scabbard is a leather shell. The shell itself is a darker brown leather which is sewn up the rear. It has a circular throat applied around the top area of the scabbard. Beneath the throat is a lighter color leather hanger application. It is possible that this hanger application was done after the war to replace the original one. I cannot tell for sure, but this lighter color leather does seem to be in a newer state than the leather on the shell. The bottom of the shell is equipped with a nickel plated chape fitting. This fitting is simple in design, having rounded style edges where it meets the leather and a ball at the bottom. A great piece here for those who may collect DAF items or possibly a great piece for future research. It is interesting to me to see the name “Ernst Bickel” on this blade, as most collectors will recognize that name as being a fine SA producer. Perhaps, it is the same individual who may have been connected with the DAF? At any rate, a tremendous cutlass here and a fine piece which would make a great addition to either a hunting or NSDAP collection.

    Mint. $1,995.00