German Hunting Dagger – Universal Swords

This detailed dagger is a replica of the long Hirschfger (deer-catcher) daggers used by German hunters in the 19th and 20th century. These long blades, long enough to be short swords, were used to dispatch wounded deer and boar in the aftermath of the hunt. These daggers were inspired by the Hanger swords used by the nobility in earlier centuries and characteristically are heavily etched in the blade with woodland scenes and most feature a clamshell-like guard. Many of these daggers were given as presentation gifts and awards, particularly among the Hunting, Conservation and Rifle clubs of Germany.

Hunting for game in the German forests was tightly controlled and membership in hunting clubs was a requisite. Thus membership was usually limited to the wealthy, government officials and the well-connected who would wear distinctive hunting uniforms when on the hunt or at the lodge. These daggers were considered an integral highlight of that uniform, and that explains their heavy decoration.

This hunting dagger has an unsharpened blade of high carbon steel that is heavily etched with the symbols of the hunt and woodland filigree. The hilt of brass, likewise features woodland foliage and animals, such as oak leaves, acorns and boar. The pommel is capped with a regal lions head and the grip is wrapped in brown leather, overlaid with twisted strands of brass wire. The dagger comes with a scabbard of black leather with brass chape and throat pieces.