Hunting Sword

Jim McDougall · 24th July 2025, 10:41 PM

Im with the Capn on this, and think this is most likely English of mid 18th, with the stag horn grip, and general character. The downturned shell is indeed reminiscent of the German 'hirshfanger' (cuttoe) and the hunting scene typical, the dog on the pommel cap I think simply reflecting the importance of the dog to the hunter.

It is interesting to see the now indiscernible motif on the blade, and though it may be with arms suggesting military association its hard to see. As hunting was of course an activity of gentry and high station any number of motifs of this character might have been present.

The blade seems to be of German form, mid 18th, but it is heavy and straight while it seems most cuttoe types have lighter slightly curved blades. The nature of the hollowed channel stopping in the upper part of the blade to form an extended block type forte compares to a narrower blade with same style fuller on a French cuttoe c. 1760s with the blade noted as German.

As noted, these kinds of hangers were much favored by officers on vessels, and stout heavy blades like this favored, most regulation style cutlasses had straight heavy blades.

Ed · 25th July 2025, 12:21 PM

I had an interest in these critters some time back. The example on the right is a real "hunting sword" blade etched with hunting scenes. Blade 13 inches. This one is relatively recent.

The middle and leftmost ones (blades 20 and 25 inches respectively) have slightly curved, unmarked blades. Decoration on hilt elements is nondescript, vaguely floral.

I recall reading that the protrusion on the quillon element on the middle example was indicative of 17th century manufacture.

I had assumed (HA!) that they were both non-reg officers swords. Why not?

Norman McCormick · 25th July 2025, 02:52 PM

Hi,
One of mine, probably French, also with a stand of arms.
Regards,
Norman.

Jim McDougall · 25th July 2025, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
One of mine, probably French, also with a stand of arms.
Regards,
Norman.

This is a beautiful example Norman! and these French versions (cuttoe) were so elegant, not only in the hilt design, but overall character. They were beautifully appointed and light, which seems to have fallen in line with the conventions of French swordsmanship of these times. While in the fashion of the couteau de chasse, it is not hard to imagine these being a formidable weapon in close quarters.

25th July 2025, 12:21 PM	#2
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 266	I had an interest in these critters some time back. The example on the right is a real "hunting sword" blade etched with hunting scenes. Blade 13 inches. This one is relatively recent. The middle and leftmost ones (blades 20 and 25 inches respectively) have slightly curved, unmarked blades. Decoration on hilt elements is nondescript, vaguely floral. I recall reading that the protrusion on the quillon element on the middle example was indicative of 17th century manufacture. I had assumed (HA!) that they were both non-reg officers swords. Why not? Attached Images

25th July 2025, 02:52 PM	#3
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,632	Hi, One of mine, probably French, also with a stand of arms. Regards, Norman. Attached Images

24th July 2025, 10:41 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,449	Im with the Capn on this, and think this is most likely English of mid 18th, with the stag horn grip, and general character. The downturned shell is indeed reminiscent of the German 'hirshfanger' (cuttoe) and the hunting scene typical, the dog on the pommel cap I think simply reflecting the importance of the dog to the hunter. It is interesting to see the now indiscernible motif on the blade, and though it may be with arms suggesting military association its hard to see. As hunting was of course an activity of gentry and high station any number of motifs of this character might have been present. The blade seems to be of German form, mid 18th, but it is heavy and straight while it seems most cuttoe types have lighter slightly curved blades. The nature of the hollowed channel stopping in the upper part of the blade to form an extended block type forte compares to a narrower blade with same style fuller on a French cuttoe c. 1760s with the blade noted as German. As noted, these kinds of hangers were much favored by officers on vessels, and stout heavy blades like this favored, most regulation style cutlasses had straight heavy blades.