Here's a pic of German soldiers taking over a Polish border checkpoint in '39. One of the two helmet less Germans is wearing a hirschfanger , I suppose they're Grenzshutz?

Len

Len,

This is probably an example of the Danzig Zollschutz Hirschfanger being worn. The fellow wearing it appears more Danzig Customs than Polish Customs or Grenzer to me. Here is an example of the rather rare Danzig Zoll sidearm along with its markings.

I think the piece in the picture has a clamshell of sorts? or maybe it's my poor eyes.

Gary

I believe you're correct George! Good eye!

Gary,

I think what you are seeing is the top of the brass scabbard fitting above the frog stud. Probably the slot in the frog is either cut in a V or it sticks up above the top of the frog. Notice the very long frog stud visible in the photo of the Hirschfanger in wear and the same long frog stud on the Danzig Landzoll cutlass. Also, notice the squared off tip of the bottom scabbard fitting.

Len,

This is only the second photo I have seen of this Danzig cutlass in wear. Very Neat!

BTW, the fellow on the right is a German Zollschutz guy as you can see his distinctive collar tabs and his sleeveband. The Danzigers were absorbed into the regular Zollschutz with just a change in uniform. Of course, they lost their distinctive cutlasses in the process.

George