Germany, Third Reich. A Fine Deutsche Jägerschaft Honour Cutlass to Revierförster Erich Rietzschel, by Carl Eickhorn

(Deutsche Jägerschaft Ehrenhirschfänger). A rare and striking Deutsche Jägerschaft (German Hunting Society/DJ) honour cutlass, measuring 46.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. The obverse bears a gilded and acid-etched inscription of “EHRENHIRSCHFÄNGER DER DEUTSCHEN JÄGERSCHAFT” (“HONOUR CUTLASS OF THE GERMAN HUNTING SOCIETY”), presented in Fraktur script on a stylized banner surrounded by oak leaves, all in turn situated on a toned void. The reverse bears a gilded and acid-etched dedication to “DEM REVIERFÖRSTMEISTER ERICH RIETZSCHEL 1936”, similarly presented in Fraktur script on a stylized banner surrounded by oak leaves on a toned void. The reverse ricasso also bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s logo of a squirrel clutching a sword. Raised oak leaves also decorated the majority of the length of the spine. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with the seam covered by a green wool buffer pad. The hilt features a gilded brass crossguard in the form of mirrored stag hooves, with the obverse featuring an oval clamshell bearing a raised and detailed pheasant. A single piece of polished staghorn composes the handle grip, with the obverse inset with a gilded DJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 20 mm (l). It culminates in an intricate gilded brass pommel which is decorated with raised oak leaves and a single acorn, screwing in to maintain the cutlass’ structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a boiled dark green leather shaft. Gilded brass fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with the former bearing an etched depiction of a stag among a forested scene. Emanating from the throat fixture is a stud in the form of a stylized acorn, in turn accommodating an original frog which is constructed of multiple panels of brown leather, topped by a magnetic metal loop for uniform suspension. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, this stunning and high-quality example featuring a personalized dedication remains in an extremely fine condition.