Germany, Weimar Republic. A Forestry Cutlass, by Alexander Coppel

(Forstdienst Hirschfänger). A well-preserved Forestry cutlass, measuring 55.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 40.5 cm-long, nickel-plated magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. The blade displays double-sided acid-etched arabesque latticework, with the reverse ricasso also maker marked with the logo of Alexander Coppel, Solingen. The blade sits within a multi-piece hilt featuring a gilded brass crossguard presenting with a clamshell and dual deer hoof quillons, and with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. A single piece of polished bone or staghorn composes the handle grip, and presents with a gentle curvature. The cutlass culminates in a ribbed gilded brass pommel which maintains its structural integrity. Accompanying the cutlass is its original scabbard, constructed of a blackened leather shaft. Gilded brass fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with a downward-pointing hook in the form of an acorn extending from the latter for the accommodation of a frog. A functional catch within the throat holds the cutlass in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade with additional softening of features reflecting cleaning and polishing, some loosening of the hilt, fatigue of the scabbard leather, denting of the scabbard fixtures, and repair or replacement of the throat fixture. This mid-war example remains in a better than very fine condition.