Description
Early back-to-back stamped squirrel (Carl Eickhorn) TM. An illustration of a similar pattern Hirschfänger appears in the Eickhorn Kundendienst as “Hirschfanger Nr. 36”. Gilded, heavily chiseled hilt fittings show light surface wear, but no speckling or damage to crossguard and clamshell with stag being attacked by hunting dogs motif. Dark brown stag horn grip is perfect with no cracks or chips and with all three gilded acorns and oak leaves present. Plated double-etched blade grades EX+ showing light surface wear/runner marks and minor speckling to obverse blade, but no nicks to the cutting edge and is complete with damaged green felt blade buffer pad. Obverse features three line shooting award presentation: “Dem Feldw Jaenirke fur daurnde herrvorragende Schiessleistungen, gestiftet von den Offizieren 3 Jager 4, Hptm Moritz, Oberst v. Kortzfleisch, v. Stoephasius, Lt Ludeke, Raths, Scharf”: Presented to Sergeant Jaenirke for continuous superb shooting achievements, presented by the officers of 3 Jager 4, Captain Moritz, Colonel v. Kortzfleisch, v. Stoephasius, Lt Ludeke, Raths, Scharf. The 1914 – 1918 Rank List shows that Scharf and Ludeke were indeed members of the Magdeburisches Jager=Bataillon Nr. 4. A very historical piece as v. Kortzfleisch is obviously related to General Major Kortzfleisch, an active member of the conspirators who engineered the failed assassination attempt in July 1944 against Hitler and a recipient of the Knights Cross. Reverse etch pattern features scenes of Auerhahn, stag, doe, boar, hunting dogs and hunter. Black leather scabbard shows surface wear, but no rips, tears, creases, or damage to the reverse stitching. Dent-free gilded brass hilt fittings show light surface wear with much factory gilding remaining and are complete with retaining staples. Hunting cutlasses associated with military units are indeed an exceptional rarity in today’s collecting market!
