Germany, Third Reich. A German Hunting Association Cutlass, by J.A. Henckels

(Deutsche Jägerschaft Hirschfänger). An extremely well-preserved and ornate German Hunting Association cutlass, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 23 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The blade bears double-sided acid-etched designs executed in exceptional detail, with the obverse displaying a fox set among oak leaf branches with acorns, while the reverse features a stag similarly topped by an oval oak leaf wreath with acorns. An oak leaf branch also extends across approximately half of the blade’s spine. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “J.A. HENCKELS, ZWILLINGSWERK”, topped by the firm’s classic stick figure logo. The blade sits securely within a patinated magnetic metal crossguard taking the form of dual hooves, with a clamshell medallion emanating from the centre of the obverse, and with a dark green wool buffer pad covering the seam. A single piece of lacquered and curved staghorn comprises the handle grip, while the cutlass completes with a flattened and ribbed pommel secured in place with a nut in the form of a detailed acorn which screws in to maintain the cutlass’ structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a reinforced blackened leather shaft with patinated magnetic metal fixtures secured to both the tip and throat. A downward-pointing hook in the form of an acorn emanates from the side of the shaft and accommodates a frog constructed of dark brown leather, riveted into a loop for belt suspension. The frog is missing one half of its snap button strap, but this superb example demonstrates no other notable damage or wear and remains in an extremely fine condition