German Shooting Association Cutlass by Eickhorn – D569

Of the few manufactures of the so called German shooting association cutlass’, one stands out above all others. Those were those examples produced by the Carl Eickhorn edged weapon firm. Take a look at this one and you’ll see why.

No two ways around it, as typical for the long fluted grips on these edged weapons, the delicate Torlon shell to this one is cracked like nearly all are. As the wood carved centers dried over the years, the shrinkage of it created the cracks that most of these cutlass handles exhibit. Though this one has 2 fractures, many others exhibit sever cracking all over their surface. In lieu of that, the gold crossed rifles emblem remains in good condition, firmly affixed to the off white grip. The plated fittings consisting of the clam shell, ferrules, and pommel, exhibit some lifting, which is mainly confined to the top of the hooved crossguard. In the center of the clam shell is shown the enameled shooting association circular pin with an eagle and the club’s association. All in all, not that horrible and a pretty common manufacturing flaw to these hilts.

Accompanying this edged weapon is a fine looking scabbard shell, all complete. The reverse seamed leather is completely intact with period factory sewing all the way down, showing a few scrapes and ticks of age. More importantly it’s nice and straight, something that is not always the case with these rather long thin delicate shells. Both upper and lower scabbard fittings display excellent plating, and void of any creases or dents. A single staple hold both in place with just a little bit of the usual movement. A real nice scabbard to this cutlass, which is definitely a bonus.

Now, the best part of all, the blade and what a fantastic beautiful example it is! It is full length being drawn to a needle point tip, and void of any sharpening, pits, chips, or anything else. These triple etched blades were factory polished, and this one project that proper matte finish that you want to see throughout. What really sets this blade above and apart from all other makers of these edged weapons, is the drop dead gorgeous black burnished etch adorning both sides of it. That even includes the etch down the spine too! The detailed scenes showing a crouched hunter, running deer, and depictions of a variety of floral & fauna, is as crisp as the day that this blade was produced some 3/4 of a century ago. This etch is as dark as a collector will encounter on one of these blades, and absolutely the best! On the reverse of the riccasso is the stamp of excellence well known to 3rd Reich edged weapon collectors worldwide, the squirrel holding a sword trademark representing the Carl Eickhorn edged weapon firm. None finer…. what a truly gorgeous blade as shown here in the photos!

An excellent looking Shooting Association Cutlass, by the most revered an known manufacture of 3rd Reich edged weapons, Eickhorn.  $2295.00  Price Reduced to $1895.00