(Deutsche Jägerschaft Hirschfänger). A rare and exquisite German Hunting Association (Deutsche Jägerschaft) Honour Cutlass, measuring 555 mm from tip to pommel when inserted into the scabbard. The cutlass features a 400 mm-long magnetic Damascus steel blade with a sharpened tip, sharpened lower edge, and unspoiled upper edge trimmed with gilt laurel branches. Intricate and highly-detailed gilt designs appear on both the obverse and reverse of the blade. The former consists of a stylized banner bearing an inscription of “EHRENHIRSCHFÄNGER DES ALLGEMEINEN DEUTScHEN JAGDSCHUTZ-VEREINS” (“HONOUR CUTLASS OF THE GERMAN GENERAL GAME-SHOOTING ASSOCIATION”) in Fraktur script. The inscription is flanked at both the top and bottom with floral and arabesque designs, with a detailed wild boar also situated at the bottom.
On the reverse, the blade bears detailed hunting scenes featuring deer, foxes, stags, and scent hounds, all situated within forested landscapes. Also featured on the reverse near the ricasso is a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. A fully intact green wool buffer pad covered the seam where the blade meets the upper crossguard. Constructed of silver, the crossguard consists of two highly-detailed oak leaf branches, while the obverse features a protruding clamshell medallion bearing a central raised mobile swastika, in turn set within a semi-circular oak leaf wreath. A silver band, similarly bearing raised oak leaves around the circumference, facilitates the transition in the handle. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of polished dark brown stag horn. Exemplifying the cutlass’ exceptional attention to detail, the grip has been filed flat on the reverse, and remains curved on the obverse, allowing for a natural and comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered bronze Deutsche Jägerschat insignia consisting of a stag’s skull, with the antlers surrounding a mobile swastika, measuring 18 mm (w) x 20 mm (h). The cutlass completes with a silver pommel, featuring a rounded oak leaf design and protruding stag’s head emanating from the side, with its antlers integrated into the edges. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a boiled and pressed dark green leather shaft. Affixed two the shaft are two silver fittings, with one near the tip bearing raised oak leaves throughout the obverse, and an additional fixture at the throat. The former also features raised oak leaves, with a protruding oak leaf and acorn hook for attachment to an optional frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the cutlass in place during storage. With no evident faults or damage, this exceptional and rare piece presents in a near mint condition.
It is accompanied by a Deutsche Jägerschaft brooch, constructed of silver and Gold. It consists of a finely-detailed silver stag’s head with a 9k Gold Latin Cross inset within the antlers. The stag’s head is set within stylized branches, from which an acorn also emanates. Notably, the nut consists of a piece of lacquered and polished bone. The reverse features a ball hinge and vertical pinback meeting a locking catch. Stamped onto the reverse is the hallmark of an unidentified silversmith, with a content number of “800”. The brooch measures 40.23 mm (w) x 60.85 mm (h) and weighs 24.4 grams. It is in an overall near mint condition.