What we have here is a hirschfanger marked WK&C. The overall length is about 24-1/2" and the blade is about 19-1/4" long. The scabbard is black leather stitched up the back side. The metal appears to be nickel silver. There is no indication of plating. The blade is bright overall with a few blemishes. The etch is fairly light. Can yo give me some indication of age?
Does anyone have any information on this dagger?
Falstaff,
This is an imperial-era (pre-WWI) example of a "Sch�tzen Hirschf�nger," also known as a shooting-cutlass or dagger. These are usually found having a much thinner design than the normal hunting and forestry Hirschf�nger. Another good indicator that it's a shooting sidearm is the crossguard, yours being shorter and straighter than hunting/forestry pieces. Those crossguards are usually a bit longer and have a gentle, up-and-down "s-shape" to them.
Looks like a nice example.
Best!
Bill
Bill---Thank you for the information.
