Description
No maker mark on dagger. The late Col. Johnson acquired this dagger many years ago. This beautiful presentation Hirschfanger was given to Fritz Seifert and is fitted with all brass mounts. The overall length of the piece is 20.5”, and the blade measures 14” from the tip to the crossguard. The pommel cap has a segmented cap with engraved leaves and an acorn which acts as a blade retainer on the tang. The crossguard is adorned with an elaborately engraved stag’s head on one side and a doe on the opposite side. The clamshell depicts a wolf being pursued by hounds. The brown colored grip is a large original piece of stag which rises slightly to the left and is ordained with three acorns.
The blade is beautifully engraved with hunting motifs and has a presentation to Fritz Seifert which says: “To the forester/ranger/woodsman Fritz Seifert of Langenselbold, for outstanding service to the hunting conservation, awarded by the German hunting conversation/protection society.”
The blade has some blemishes caused by rusting and has been cleaned to arrest any further degradation. The upper brass scabbard fitting has an acorn on the obverse side. The lower brass scabbard tip has an engraved scene on obverse side and minor patina/discoloration. The scabbard shell is black leather and is in very good condition for its age. There are no bends or wrinkles in the leather.
This cutlass also comes with the correct portepee which appears original to the piece. The portepee is brown with green double stripes on the strap, brown/green stem and cap, gold ball and same material as strap on bottom center of portepee. Shows minor wear on strap but overall Exc+/Exc++ condition.
