Original German WWI Era Hirschfänger Stag Handle Triple Etched Hunting Short Sword in Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an item that simply reeks of romance! In use for centuries, the German Hirschfänger (Deer Catcher) long hunting daggers have always made lovely display pieces, as well as military sidearms. Many of the early bayonets used by the various German States were based on the Hirschfänger design, which is both simple and elegant, almost a short sword in practical terms.

This is a great WWI Era Hirschfänger set, with a great scabbard, featuring a second slot that would normally include small skinning knife, unfortunately absent. We have no doubt that the entire set came from Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany, the edged weapon center for the entire German Empire. The short sword has lovely stag horn grips, fitted with lovely “German Silver” Cupronickel alloy.

The short sword itself is simply lovely, with a slightly curved grip, and a gently curved “S” shaped crossguard that has each end terminate in a lovely Deer’s hoof. There is also a scallop shell guard on one side, much like those seen on earlier “hunting sword pistols”, which in this case would help to hold the skinning knife in place. There are three oval studs attached to one side of the grip, which we have seen on other examples, and the pommel is a very nice dome shape, though it is a bit loose.

The blade is etched with hunting and military motifs on both sides, displaying a hunting scene with a hound chasing a rabbit. There are also lovely foliate designs as well as stands of arms, and the spine has a repeating laurel leaf motif. It has a thin red felt blade buffer at the crossguard. The blade does show use, and has been sharpened several times. The surface is a bit stained and oxidized, which has made the etched designs somewhat hard to see. There is also just a bit of light pitting near the tip.

The leather scabbard, like the knives, is completely fit with “German Silver”, and has a lovely “acorn” shaped frog stud on the front. It fits the Hirschfänger well, and just looks great. There is some wear to the finish, but nothing major, though the leather has shrunk a bit, so it does not quite fit the entire blade anymore.

A lovely German upmarket Hirschfänger set, ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 20 1/2″
Blade Style: Hirschfänger Single Edged
Overall length: 26 1/4“
Crossguard: 4 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 20 3/4″