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The National Forestry Service was organized to enforce wildlife conservation and timber preservation in Germany's forests and hunting preserves. Forestry Officials were highly trained professionals, similar to Game Wardens in this country. Hermann Göring, as National Hunting Master, was the head of this important organization. Forestry Officials carried cutlasses in two forms. The Subordinate version had stag grip plates with decorative gilded brass hilts. The scabbards were black leather shells with matching gilded mounts. The blades were normally double-etched with animal/hunting scenes. The Senior Forestry Cutlass was the same, but the grips were of ivory or white celluloid construction. Examples of both types were available with many elaborate options. The National insignia is rarely seen incorporated on these cutlasses, as attention was paid to it only on examples usually of late production.

FC3 - 001 - 26163 - SUBORDINATE FORESTRY CUTLASS WITH EAGLE/SWASTIKA - NO MAKER

This later-made Forestry Cutlass is a short type and is produced with a gilded aluminum hilt and gilded steel fittings on the scabbard. This is one of the rarely seen examples which incorporate the eagle and swastika in the design. The gilt throughout the hilt areas is 100%. It really looks good and shows little to no wear. The “D” guard is beautifully hand-enhanced, having a series of overlapping oak leaves in the center and then at the upper area, has some depictions which almost look like flaming pineapples. Whatever these are, the cross checkering that was done is quite effective. The same design appears on both sides. At the center of the “D” guard, there is a sprig of oak leaves with a detailed acorn in the center. The “D” guard ends in a deer’s hoof, which is complete with decorative hair being cut into the surfaces. The ferrule area on the obverse depicts an open-winged Political type eagle which looks to the viewer’s left. This eagle clutches a small wreath within which, there is a raised out swastika. The detail is fairly nice to this depiction. The backs of the panels have been hand-stippled. The reverse ferrule is blank, just having a lined panel. The eagle and swastika designs are only seen in late pieces and, therefore, there are few of these that exist from the period. The grip plates are a fine genuine stag. These plates have darkened nicely over the years, having rich, brown grains in their surfaces. The edge areas of both plates have turned a golden color. The plates are decorated with three acorns on each side. These acorns are the style having the two leaves above them. All of them are in place. The scabbard shell is a black leather. It is still nice and supple, showing only the most nominal of wear and usage. This leather is decorated with twin lines on the front and back, and it is sewn up the rear. The leather shell is fitted with brass based gilded mounts. These mounts have pointed designs on both sides where they meet the leather. On the reverse, the mounts are plain and on the obverse upper, there is a nicely detailed acorn which acts as a lug. The lower fitting has a series of six oak leaves all on top of each other, and each having acorns out the side. This design is quite beautifully done and there is pebble patterns applied over these leaves. The scabbard mounts have about 50% to 60% of the original gilt. They are retained by staples in the usual manner. The short blade of this example is a triple-etched type. It is unmarked and is only about 10 inches in length. The blade has the action running toward the viewer when the piece is held in the right hand. The obverse etch depicts dogs pulling down a wild boar, and the reverse etch, depicts a large stag chasing a doe jumping over a log. It is interesting to note in the end panel of the reverse etch there is a large falcon sitting on a shelf looking to the left. This is the first time I remember seeing a bird of prey in any of these etches. The spine has a fine etching of laurel leaves. This unmarked blade is in full mint condition, having outstanding frosting highlighting the raised out areas. The original brown felt buffer is still in place. A very fine period piece in top notch condition. These examples are extremely difficult to acquire. Near Mint. $3,395.00

FC3 - 002 - 20234C - SUBORDINATE FORESTRY CUTLASS - WKC

This Forestry cutlass is the WKC model no. 95. If you don’t have a WKC catalogue, you can look this example up in the Johnson Volume II, Page 43. These WKC cutlasses are quite impressive. This example has very fine brass fittings throughout. The “d” guard is fashioned with raised out oak leaves which run on the surfaces of both sides. The upper end of the “d” guard is fashioned in the form of a deer hoof. The “d” guard runs through the center cross guard area where it changes to larger oak leaf construction. But after passing through, this side also ends in an additional deer’s hoof. There is a clamshell below and it is the type that has a short quillon on the right side and a long quillon which flares outward and upward, ending in a curl on the left side. The clamshell depicts a pointing hunting dog positioned in a forestry glen. The grip plates of this example are a beautiful stag. The stag has appealing colors of brown and tan in the raised grains of both sides and the edges have turned a impressive golden color. Beautiful grip plates here. In the tradition of WKC, the six nuts which are present on both grip plates. They are the large-to-small descending type, being three on each side. The acorns have two sets of oak leaves above them with a stem. The details are well executed. There is also an original-to-the-piece subordinate troddel attached to the hilt of this example. This troddel is composed of green cotton fabric with a texture in its strapped surfaces. There is a thong-like green slide and there is also green fabric which covers a flat stem. It is the type where you can see the metal beneath. The ovaled lower ball is composed of yarnlike cotton thread and the lower insert is a green felt. Nice looking troddel here! The scabbard shell is composed of black leather. It has the decorative twin lines on the edges of both sides and it is sewn up the rear. The matching brass mounts are scalloped on the edges where they meet the leather and they have staples which retain them. There are visible numbers beneath the staples. The upper fitting has a lug in the shape of an acorn. The lower fitting has only a simple twin line decoration. The blade of this example is a triple-etch type, being the same as is shown on the catalogue. This blade measures 13 inches in length. The etches on the obverse show a couple of foxes fooling around on a log and there is also a scene with a pointing dog. Unfortunately, there is some gray over these blade surfaces and it is difficult to make out some of the etch patterns. The reverse blade depicts a forest glen showing three does being chased by a stag. The woods are on both sides of the chasing deer. The spine has light oak leaf etching. Unfortunately, there is some age in this blade and although the scenes are clear, (if you study them,) they are becoming quite light and due to the age on the blade, this blade only rates at excellent. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knighthead trademark and below it is the firm’s initials “WKC”. The original blade leather washer is in place. A rarely seen cutlass here, which would command a larger price if the etch work were better on the blade. Priced accordingly. Excellent Plus. $1,395.00

FC3 - 003 - 26966 - SENIOR DELUXE SHORT FORESTRY CUTLASS - NO MAKER (WKC)

This deluxe Senior Short Forestry cutlass was the most expensive piece that WKC offered in its line of cutlasses. It is the stock no. 1051. This piece is not marked, but there is no question that it comes from WKC. If you do not have a WKC catalogue, this piece can be seen on Page 143, far right, of the Johnson Volume II book. This cutlass is most impressive looking. The hilt consists of highest quality brass mounts. The “d” guard runs through the cross guard area and ends in a deer’s hoof on both quillons. In the center area, there are raised out oak leaf and acorn depictions. The workmanship throughout is quite beautiful. The ferrule is built into the cross guard area and, in the center, it has small decorative lines which were hand-added in addition to the normal accent lines that run on both sides of the center. This cutlass has a very distinctive clamshell, different from all other types offered by WKC. The clamshell is in a shield shape design and it depicts the head of a grisly boar having ivory teeth sticking out of its snout. The boar has great detail throughout its hair, eye and ear. It is so detailed, you can almost hear it snorting. Around the head of the boar are raised out oak leaves and acorns. The backgrounds have all been random pebbled. A terrific looking clamshell area here! The grip plates of this example are done in expert cut ivory. These ivory plates have turned a very desirable golden tone and there are no cracks, chips or problems anywhere or these expertly cut plates. Both sides of the grip are fitted with the three-nut construction. These nuts are the style which go from large to small, and they feature two oak leaves above them with a thick stem. It is rare to see all three nuts in place and in this kind of condition. There is not a lot of gilding that remains across the surfaces of these pieces, but there is enough to give the piece a very formidable look. It excites the Forestry / Hunting collector with the fact that not only is the look and condition great, but it also has some signs of actual wear. The scabbard is composed of a black leather shell. The shell has twin decorative lines on the edges of both the front and the reverse and it is sewn up the rear. The scabbard fittings are nicely done with a scallop-like design where they meet the leather. The mounts are staple-held and there are numbers visible beneath the staples. The upper mount is fitted with a gold nugget type lug. It is quite beautiful and well done. The lower mount is decorated with hand-done oak leafing and also there is an extra sprig put in by hand at the upper portion. The chape of this fine fitting is a fancy doorknob type style. The triple-etch blade of this choice cutlass is only 9½ inches in length. It is in bright, near full mint condition. It depicts the same scenes which are shown in the catalogue piece. The obverse has the hunter with rifle in one hand and cutlass in another, running through the woods. He is chasing a boar that is being brought down by several dogs. The scene is clear and crisp and has all of the background frosting. The reverse scene is in the same fine condition. It depicts the hunter stooped while aiming a rifle at a large stag chasing after a doe, both of which are jumping over a log. The spine of this example is decorated with raised laurel leaves. As stated above, there is no trademark on this choice blade but it definitely is the work of WKC. The original brown leather blade washer is in place. An outstanding piece here which would add much depth to a otherwise fine Forestry / Hunting collection. This is a rarely seen exceptional piece which measures overall in the scabbard only 15 inches. In German hunting society, the shorter the weapon, the higher the status of the carrier. N ear Mint. $2,995.00

FC3 - 004 - 18127 - DELUXE SHORT FORESTRY CUTLASS - WKC

This deluxe short Forestry cutlass apparently was made during wartime when fittings were scarce within the blade producer’s factories. The hilt of this example is actually an Eickhorn and the blade is a cut-down WKC. The scabbard appears to have been produced one off by WKC for purposes of fitting up this fine cutlass. It is an interesting piece here, and is absolutely not a “marriage” but a wartime produced original piece. The hilt of this example is the Eickhorn model no. 1059 with ivory grip. This is the model which incorporates the squirrel motif which Eickhorn used as a logo. It appears as though this cutlass was ordered through the WKC people well after the war had began. As many collectors know, there were few parts to complete pieces and sometimes it was necessary to “borrow” fittings from a factory across the street so that a piece could be completed. (We see many Army Eickhorn daggers which are completed with WKC cross guards and the like.) The hilt of this example has nearly all of the original gilt finish. The gilding is a fine muted color and really is attractive. The hilt consists of a fine “d” guard having raised out decorations of ribbons and oak leaves and it ends with a pointed down quillon which is in the shape of a deer’s hoof. The ferrule above has the Eickhorn squirrel which is holding a sword and looking downward. This squirrel was used as Eickhorn’s logo from 1935-41. The reverse of the ferrule has a jumping doe in a forest glen. Below this is a clamshell. This clamshell device is decorated with a large stag having his head down. Next to the stag at the right is a quillon in a curl. At the left, the quillon goes upward and curls at the top. Nice finery here. The grip plates are genuine ivory and they have toned to a golden color. They are very beautiful and have different tones of lighter and darker shading. There is also a look of grain here and there in the ivory surfaces. These grip plates are fit with the traditional nuts used by Eickhorn. All six are present, and they are the style with leaves over the top. These nuts have lost their gilt and are in copper throughout. The scabbard of this piece is a black leather type having the usual twin-line decoration on the edges of both sides and it is sewn up the rear. The scabbard mounts appear to be completely custom done, as they have very intricate oak leafing throughout. The ends are the normal scallop type and they are retained with staples. There are numbers visible beneath the staples. The obverse surfaces, though, are really something to study. These surfaces have had panel borders sculptured. At the top example, there are hand-done oak leaves and acorns as well as a floral type style in the center. The lug of this piece is also a handmade item, featuring oak leaves and three acorns resting above the oak leaves. The work is extremely expert throughout. The lower mount has the same style oak leaves and acorns cut into it and at the lower portion features acanthus leaves. The gilded surfaces of these scabbard mounts match exactly to a tee those of the upper hilt. There is no question that these pieces were all gilded at the same time. (I point this out for those nay sayers out there that continue to question authentic pieces just because they do not conform to all the little square and round holes which they like to see in their mind.) The blade of this example apparently was the type that WKC used on their model no. 96. This blade has been cut down so that it remains the right length. The blade measures about 9½ inches. This is the blade that features a hunter standing on the ricasso area in a perpendicular form. The next etch on the obverse shows a stag and deer feeding on leaves. The reverse shows a stag at the ricasso also in the perpendicular and horizontally is shown a dog pointing at a couple of foxes which are sniffing around a log in the forest. The area past this etch has been beautifully sloped to form an edge on one end and a spine on the other. This is expert work and if you didn’t realize that the blade was cut down, you probably wouldn’t notice it. This blade is still nice and bright and has good detail to the etches. The spine area has laurel leafing running down. This blade is in near full mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knight head trademark and beneath it are the firm’s initials “WKC”. The original green blade buffer is in place. It is interesting to note that next to the buffer there is a number stamped “109". This same number is stamped on the scabbard throat as well as the bottom of the chape button. Studying the numbers, it can be seen by the intact gilt surface that these numbers were stamped into the surfaces prior to the gilded finish. This is an outstanding, original deluxe cutlass produced during the Third Reich. I completely guarantee the authenticity of this cutlass and hope that it winds up in the hands of someone who will appreciate its significance.
Excellent Plus. $1,495.00

FC3 - 023 - SHORT DELUXE FORESTRY CUTLASS WITH BOAR SHIELD - WKC

This deluxe short example is the model number, “1051” which was WKC's most expensive Forestry Cutlass. It is identical to the example shown in their catalog which you can see on page 143 of Johnson's Volume II. The hilt is quite striking on these pieces. This example is in untouched condition and recently comes from a veteran. All the basics are there. It just needs a little cleaning up. The hilt features a "D" guard which has highly raised overlapping oak leaves. The guard begins and ends with hoof designs, both of which have hand accented deer hair at the ends. The center block area has a ribbon-like crossed design superimposed over the oak leaves. The ferrule has standard line designs, but it also features handwork in a center band which has lines running perpendicular around it. There is also a raised beaded area at the lower line. This type of thing was done to give a more deluxe appearance to the metal work. The real beautiful thing on these cutlasses though, is the shield shaped clamshell. This clam is most beautiful. In the center area, it depicts the raised out figure of a wild boar's head with tusks jutting out of his lower jaw and a fearsome look on his face. Great looking stuff here as the boar peeks through a surrounded border of highly detailed oak leaves and acorns. Elegant work here and a rare sight, as these cutlasses are very, very hard to find. The grip plates are genuine ivory and they are nicely golden toned and have good graining in their surfaces. As is the case with these deluxe pieces, the grip plates are decorated with the large-to- small acorns which have two leaves decorating their upper portion. All six of these superb acorn designs are present. Tied to the "D" guard, is an original-to-the-piece, Forestry portepee. This portepee consists of a bullion style textured strapping which has twin fairly wide green lines which run the length. The slide is a mixture of green and bullion thread and the stem is one of the see-through crochet-looking types. The ball is of ovaled bullion and it has a green thread style stuffing in the cat's anus variety. This portepee shows some minor age but no fraying at all. The scabbard is a short variety and it has a beautiful black leather shell. This shell is sewn up the rear and both sides are decorated with twin lines running the length of the edges. This shell shows little age and is in perfect supple condition. Decorating the shell are beautiful deluxe style mounts. These mounts have fancy end designs where they meet the leather, and both are retained by small staples. There are numbers which appear beneath the staples. The upper mount has a beautiful gilded lug, which to me, resembles a gold nugget. It actually depicts small acorns but it does have this expensive look. The lower fitting has stamped-in designs of oak leaf and acorn sprigs. There has also been pebbling put into the leaves to give them a look of relief. The designs are only on one side on these lower mounts. The chape ending is also most impressive being a two tiered variety with very small tip. An outstanding scabbard here. The blade is a short variety which measures about 9 ¾-inches. It is a slab side type being triple etched. This blade shows a little minor age, but I'm sure that it will all clean out as it is only superficial, matching the outside patination. This blade depicts on the obverse, a fine hunting scene etched perpendicular. The scene depicts a doe and stag standing under two fir trees. The top panel is finished with two capercaillie birds resting in some grass. The lower area has floraling and there is a set of cutlasses with hunting bag, horn, etc., also in the depiction. The reverse panel has the depiction of two foxes smelling around a log with a hunting dog pointing. This panel is also finished with floral designs on both borders. The top edge is etched with overlapping laurel leaves. While doing the description of this blade I tried a little semi-chrome on one area just to make sure that the blade is in good shape. In the spot I did, it comes up to be mint underneath just as I thought. I'm not going to do the rest of the blade as I would like to leave this pleasure to the next owner. The outside of this piece would also clean up to be easily near mint, and again, this pleasure also will be left to the next owner. The obverse ricasso of this fine blade is stamped with the knighthead mark and beneath is the firm's initials, "WKC". There is a fine brown leather washer protecting this blade. This is a great opportunity to acquire an extremely rare cutlass at a reasonable price. I have sold these pieces for much more than this example but since I acquired it reasonably I am selling it reasonably and the difference in price is your profit for the cleaning effort. Good luck to the next owner of this rare piece!
Excellent Plus, Plus (22852) $3,495.00

FC3 - 025 - SENIOR FORESTRY CUTLASS - Carl Eickhorn

This Forestry Cutlass would have been one of the more moderately factory priced examples, as it is relatively plain. It also was of later construction, probably wartime, as the hilt fittings are gilded aluminum and the scabbard mounts are gilded steel. We do see the usage of these metal types quite frequently on wartime made pieces. The "D" guard of this example is in the form of a deer's hoof where it connects to the pommel. The guard travels through the center area and the quillon ends in a matching hoof. There is hand done carving to the hair of this animal at the hooves. The ferrule is a plain example having lined decoration. The clamshell has good fluting and also has an end which flares up to the left, ending in a teardrop. The grip plates are beautiful golden toned genuine ivory. They are perfectly sculpted and beautifully fit. There are some pleasing age cracks in the top of the ivory at the curved pommel area on both grip pieces. The ivory also has attractive graining running throughout and is more deeper toned on the reverse than it is on the obverse. This grip is fitted with six original acorns. They are the style which do not have leaves. They have a coppery look to them and show only modest wear. The gilding throughout the aluminum hilt fittings is easily 100%. Wrapped about the ferrule and "D" guard is an original-to-the-piece Forestry Troddel. This troddel has textured bullion strapping which has twin green lines which run the length. There is also a slide made of bullion and green interwoven thread. The stem is a flat type having crochet like aluminum bullion construction. The ovaled ball is of all bullion yarn-like material and the stuffing is green thread strands. This original troddel is in perfect condition. The scabbard is also a fine example having black leather shell. This shell has twin decorative lines which run throughout the obverse and reverse edges and it is sewn up the rear. The shell is fitted with gilded steel scabbard mounts. The gild is starting to wear slightly, but still is mostly intact rating at about 95% on the upper mount and about 98% on the lower. These mounts are retained by staples in the usual manner. They have scalloped edges where they meet the leather shell. The lower mount has twin line decoration and the upper mount is plain having an applied acorn which acts as a lug. The detail to the upper portion of this acorn is outstanding. As nice as this cutlass is on the outside, though, the blade is really terrific. This blade is a triple etched type and it is in full mint condition. This blade has fine bright areas. The obverse and reverse etch areas have 100% frosted backgrounds. These backgrounds really highlight the etch designs. The obverse blade features the standard design of the hunter running after his dogs which are trying to pull down a boar. There are tails, legs and tongues all over the place here, but it looks like the boar is getting the best of this fight. The etch is so clear, though, that you can even see that besides the rifle the hunter is carrying, he also has a long dagger in his right hand. I never noticed this before, but that is because this etch is so clear. The idea was for the hunter to make the kill with the long knife. If you've ever seen one of these wild German boars it would take one brave fellow to get close enough to even attempt such a feat! The area after this etch has a hummingbird like animal which seems to be coasting in on a sprig of oak leaves. The reverse depiction shows a hunter kneeling and aiming his rifle at a stag and doe who are jumping over a log. The stag looks very serious about catching up with this doe and I'm sure only a bullet would stop him. The ending panel on this etch features a capercaillie. This bird is similar to the grouse American hunters go after. The spine is beautifully etched with oak leaves and acorns and also contains the name of Eickhorn's biggest distributor. The name is, "W.Michovius Cottbus". This distributor mark is always a pleasure to see on a Hunting Forestry blade as it has never been reproduced. This choice mint blade is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The original darker green felt blade buffer is in place showing no wear. This is an outstanding choice conditioned Forestry Cutlass. It genuinely has the best blade I have seen on one of these things. Good collectible example. Priced to sell. Near Mint (24214) $1495.00(#041408)