Two "Hunting" Swords

[Ed]

This is sort of an interesting story.

About two years ago it happened that a gentleman I know came into possession of his late father's German militaria collection. I proceeded, nice guy that I am, to put him in touch with a dealer friend of mine who proceeded to purchase the collection. My dealer friend asked my what I would like as a present for my efforts and I singled out the item below:

I got it for the form, not the substance. I liked the "look". I didn't think much beyond it.

Yesterday I attended the Lakeland Fl. show and I came across another "hunting sword". The form seem familiar and the price was high but ok so I bought it.


The makers mark was unfamiliar so I did a bit of research ... Wow.

The German Hunting Association (Deutsche Jägerschaft) and Forestry Service Organization (Reichsforstdienst) eventually came under the NSDAP's supervision, as did all organizations in Germany. Both organizations were headed and under the control of Hermann Göring. The primary objective of the two was to conserve game and forests throughout the nation. In Germany much of the forests were privately owned, and as such, the owners would privately hire these officials to save and protect their land.

Hunting and Forestry cutlasses were privately purchased items and both types have endless variations. Some examples are fairly simple while others are complex being made of high quality materials and depict elaborate details. These pieces are very desirable among collectors as they offer a lifetime of pleasure finding new and interesting examples.

https://www.lakesidetrader.com/Germa...ting-Shooting/

So these two items are Third Reich, probably handled by Goring himself (I am getting ready for the sale) and authentic.

Meanwhile I was sure that I had some late 19th century hunting implements.

I post this because while I am often wrong with my identifications of objects, I do not think that I was ever this wrong (well maybe one or twice)

In any event the etching on both is quite nice, the upper one is Eikhorn, the lower Cummin & Jung. Both came with scabbards. All correct. Rather than burden this thread with images I direct you to the link above. The etchings are virtually identicle to what appears there.

[Akanthus]

Both forms are widespread in Germany from the middle of the 19th.century up to the middle of the 20th.century .They change a bit in decoration but the pattern is the same.The first one refers to a servive uniform, the second one rather to a gala uniform where the grip scales often made from bone or even ivory.I don't think that H.G.had them in his hands because therefore they are too common Pieces of the time 1933 - 45 are rather highpriced in comparison to hunting swords from the imperial area.

[Ed]

They are lovely things. My eyes watered when I saw the pricing.

I have a letter from HG to my dad attesting to his ownership.

[Akanthus]

If you can exactely proove a close connection between the huntingswords and the
" Reichsjägermeister" that would drive the price to irrational heights.There are enough crazy boys out there in this crazy world willing to pay nearly everything.In some cases a "Ehrenhirschfänger" was given to hunters for special merrits.On the connected certificate you can find a facsimile signature.

[Ed]