I was hopeing I could get more info on this Hirschfanger. Their are no maker mark or other marking.
Thanks

Dow,

This looks like the one Gary (Baz69)just posted a picture of, right under this thread. (picture in wear) is the thread.

Rich

Pitbull,

You're right on target! Could someone possibly merge the two threads somehow? That might be helpful for future reference, no? I have no skill for that, sorry... everything would be wiped out!

DC - What you have there is a nice example of, ein "Bayerischer Hirschfänger mit Löwenkopf und Kautschukgriff." Translated this means, "Bavarian hunting-sidearm with lion's-head and synthetic grip." Great detail to the face on these.

Contrary to most descriptions these grips are not artificial horn, not the real deal. Just look up the German word, "Kautschuk... " I'd say there are likely presentation-models with genuine horn-grips, if you don't mind burning little holes in your grip, you'd have to test with a red-hot pin to be sure. I'd say an original horn grip would be just a slight bonus, nothing to make a big fuss over.

As a quick aside ... I once had an unmarked WKC with Damascus blade that had little pickel-bumps running along the deer-leg crossguard motif. Never saw another like it.

A very handsome weapon by any standards.

Best!

Bill

I think they had quite a few of this Bavarian type.
Sincerely,
HUBERTUS

Hubertus,

Amazing collection!!!

Beautiful hunting sidearms.

Rich

wow,that's incredible,thanks for showed to us.

The one I found was at a jewerly estate store from a network source tip.

Ralph,

Yes, quite a few patterns to be sure! The Bavarian lion-head models have been around for a good long time, hence, all these lovely variations you have in your fine collection.
Thanks for adding these ...

Dow - do you think your find will entice you to collect other hunting and forestry Hirschfänger?

Best!

B~

G-man,

I hope you won't mind that I added your nice photo to this thread ... not as hard as I thought.

Here's baz's original post ...

"Rarely have I ever found such a nice picture of a hirschfänger in wear, especially one that could be so readily identified.
It wasn't until I got this photo in did I realise I could even identify the maker. This piece has all the traits of a WKC, the card is dated 1926 on the rear."

Gary

[quote=WWII]Ralph,

Yes, quite a few patterns to be sure! The Bavarian lion-head models have been around for a good long time, hence, all these lovely variations you have in your fine collection.
Thanks for adding these ...

Dow - do you think your find will entice you to collect other hunting and forestry Hirschfänger?

Best!

Sure if the price is right I ended up selling this one over the weekend at a big show in LA.

Well it is funny how items go around and come around. I happily purchased the very example that kicked off this thread at the 2016 SOS. I am a long time Imperial Navy collector but always wanted a choice Hirschfanger to supplement a beautifully conditioned Hunting Association armband, lapel pins and a miniature Hirschfanger that I picked up over the years.
The reason I know it is the very same Hirschfanger is it has those unique divots missing from the grip of what is otherwise a near mint piece. The seller (sadly I didn't take the time to grab his card as I was trying to watch my table from afar) explained to me it was theorized that the hilt was used to tack up a notice. There was something in my mind that made me think otherwise and on the plane ride home it occurred to me. Being that there was absolutely no damage to any of the pips or anywhere else for that matter on either side but just the "chips" in the grip plates I determined it was most likely rodents. Yes rodents. I have seen this before on an ivory grip, those devilish buggers. This also lends credence to Bill's comments regarding the plates being genuine horn. Rodents like dogs love to chew on animal horn. It is doubtful any collector today stores artifacts in attics but given the age of our items, it seems plausible to believe that they weren't always treated with the care we do today.

Thanks for letting this Navy collector butt in.