Germany, Imperial. A Forestry Cutlass

(Forstdienst Hirschfänger). A well-preserved Forestry cutlass, measuring 64.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 49 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. Acid-etched imagery is visible on both sides, with the obverse bearing a central crowned German national eagle surrounded by arabesque latticework, while the reverse bears a drum and standard flag similarly surrounded by identical latticework. The blade sits securely within a gilded brass crossguard with hooked quillons in the form of stylized acorns, and with a ribbed clamshell medallion. The handle grip consists of a single piece of curved and polished staghorn which culminates in a ribbed, oval, gilded brass pommel. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a bronze shield bearing an engraved owner’s monogram. Wrapped around the handle is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized green threaded acorn suspended from a cord of identical construction. Accompanying the cutlass is its original scabbard, constructed of a blackened leather shaft with gilded brass fixtures secured to the tip and throat. The latter features a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog, while a functional catch within the throat holds the cutlass in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and minor tarnishing to the brass fixtures. This Imperial-era example remains in an extremely fine condition.