Imperial Blue and Gilt Hirschfanger – D838
Among the special edged weapons occasionally manufactured out of Germany during the Imperial & 3rd Reich periods, are the blue and gilt blades which always draw a special attention of collectors. Here is a beautiful presented Hirschfanger in this offering.
The ivory grip plates to this shooting dagger award are in excellent condition. They are perfectly matched, cut, trimmed, and fit with precision. In addition to a period adhesive, these grip are sometimes held by pins underneath of the decorative acorns. Hence you don’t see any screws in the grip which we observed in the later manufacturing of DJ’s. The solid brass D guard and ferrule add the strength and weight to this rather long 22” inch, massive edged weapon. A beautiful sculptured stag in relief clam shell completes this hilt assembly. Though the hilt is solid, there is a slight wiggle to the clam shell. Very typical of these large decorative components of the hilt.
An absolutely wonderful scabbard accompanies this beautiful edged weapon. It remains remarkably straight and uniform throughout. The black leather is in fantastic condition, void of barely anything to be considered to be a pressure mark or flaw. Both upper and lower brass fittings are in excellent shape. They are a press on variety that was utilized during this era. While the lower is solid to the shell, the upper exhibits some looseness. No biggies, as you’re not going to be wearing this baby in a parade. But showing it off as a work of art in your study!
Finally we finish up with the 17” blade. And it’s a beauty, to say the least! Perfectly straight and tight in the fittings, this blade is void of any tipping, sharpening, or cutting edge chips. There is a little bit of age toward the tip on both sides, but what the heck, it’s 105 years old! The reverse is etched with a running deer scene through the forest, while the obverse is truly pure art. Beautifully etched in the center panel is blue and gilt dedication which reads: Presented by the Jager battalions to the best rifleman at the shooting prize competition, February of the war year 1916. It’s amazing how well the period enhanced dedication has held up after a century ago, of when this edged weapon award was given out. Up against the butt plate is the red felt washer which has protected this stunning etch and beautiful blade for all of these years. These blue and gilt panel blades are beautiful, rare, desirable, and it doesn’t’ get any better than what you are seeing in this listing.
A gorgeous presented shooting prize, blue and gilt Imperial Hirschfanger. SOLD