not an expert, but I've seen or owned several customary forester/hunting/shooting patterns. and outside of houston's stunner presented here several years back to justly great acclaim and rapid heart-beatings (see link below), I've not encountered anything comparable to the one I'm giving you a few teaser pix of.

who's seen a long scabbard with dual suspension rings and short leather hangers? and a handle made I b'lieve of the gemstone knows as jet (lignite); and blued/gilded blade panels, several each side?

also, the gilded scabbard top fitting bears the german Imperial crown (tho not the royal cypher).

I'm wondering if this is elaborate enough to have been owned by a royal - or more likely was it for a senior official, hunting supporter or retiring hunt-master?
I know the crown appears both on things un-connected the royals, and to items owned by royals but not named to them; one of those is the way I'm leaning.
and that's largely b/c if this were a presentation or dedication piece there ought to be a name or 'in remembrance of...' etch or inlay. right?

anyhow, as houston's must be, in hand this heavily-gilded object is VERY impressive. all comments about dating, ownership etc. most welcome.
oh, speaking of dating, the mark is WKC. maybe circa 1910?

HOUSTON'S
http://phpstack-500133-1583587.cloudwaysapps.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=131323&page=1

(btw, anyone else failed to get HC's guide downloaded?)

incidentally, this has the little skinner at scabbard top. and tho lacking the blue/gilt panels and other embellishments it otherwise matches the cutlass; because, well, it was made for it.

just noticed there's a small "5" stamped into the the end of the bottom scabbard fitting. and there's and original storage bag - felt, scalloped-top tho I'd have expected suede....

Nice.

thanks.

Nice Bavarian Gala Hirschfanger, these types were made for use by high ranking forestry and hunting officials, I think that maker mark would date it around 1890-1910 in my opinion.

Gary

many thanks for this this, mr. mod. -- means a lot, really! heres an overall pic (not very good, sorry) i/c someone else wants to chime in

Wow that is a superb Hirschfanger

thanks seamy. here are some better fotos. btw an expert on these things believes it may be for a VERY senior forester. too bad no name ID

sorry make that SEANY!

here's the full glory

note the knot strapping is gold gilded, the acorn silver wire. the stem has a hand-woven imperial kaiserliche crown on both sides. I'd have thought the strapping and stem would have colored threads, but if owner was equal to 'general rank' he could have what he wanted I suppose.

simply stunning

thanks again, sean.

here are pix of the drag, an artwork in it's own right showing dog's head with pheasant, crossed rifles, hunting horn, game bag and, in the middle - a miniature version of this exact sword.

The skill that goes into making these is incredible

who's seen a long scabbard with dual suspension rings and short leather hangers? and a handle made I b'lieve of the gemstone knows as jet (lignite); and blued/gilded blade panels, several each side?

Inimical,
I am curious. Do you mean lignite such as in soft coal? I doubt that is it. Much too soft for a grip plate. Even anthracite, which is the hardest coal, is much too fragile for a grip although jewelry such as small pins were carved with the very hardest coals in England at the turn of the century. Could it be a very dark horn like on other examples?
By the way, that is one of the most beautiful examples I have ever seen in private hands. Congratulations.
Rick