German Hunting swords , thoughts and facts

[Jim McDougall]

Very interesting topic. While the 'hunting sword' is of course presumed for use obviously in the 'hunt' many of these often transcend this specific designation into other use and intent. However as seen in references such as "Catalog of European Court Swords and Hunting Swords" (Bashford Dean, 1929) these types of swords are closely related in many cases.

The hunt was the tradition and pastime of the elite from nobility to high gentry and fashion was of course of the highest order, with weapons most important .
The styling of the elements of the hunting sword was of course often more 'rustic' than the typical highly embellished court sword, but still the styling was made to impress.

This example I have is clearly with the elements of stag horn and features similar to these shown, and carrying traditional conventions of style since the previous century. The monogram on the blade is the CT of Carl Theodor (1724-1799), Charles IV Elector of Palentina and Duke of Juelich-Berg from 1742 to 1777.

What is interesting here is the profoundly notable yataghan style blade. In the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), there were various supporting forces for Maria Theresa and the Habsburg Empire. These included units of Pandurs, auxiliary forces who favored oriental fashion and weapons such as the yataghan. Many of these were volunteers from Slovenia (Croatia) and other Balkan and East European regions.

It is possible this may have been such a sword, but the point is, the hunting sword in many cases was found employed in other uses.