2ad3a32e_es__World_War_II__Nazi_Germany__Description
[Grade] NM- [Item #] D274 [Description] 
Senior Forester's Cutlass with Genuine Ivory Grips and a Triple Etched Blade by E.u.F. H�rster of Solingen. I pulled this exquisite cutlass from my personal collection and photographed it when one of my customers asked if I had any nice Forestry daggers for sale. He decided to pass claiming he was looking for something cheaper, so I decided to list it on my web site now that it's photographed....no reason to waste my time and the photos right? At first I thought maybe my price was a little too high, until I tried to find another H�rster on the internet in the same condition, and with genuine ivory grips. I was able to find several examples of the same pattern cutlass for a little less, but none of them were by H�rster or as nice as mine, so I decided to lower my price just a little, knowing I'll probably never be able to replace it for less. The perfectly sculpted, hand crafted ivory grips on this beauty are definitely it's best feature. The gold toned graining is outstanding, especially on the reverse where it actually looks like wood grain. Amazingly enough, there's no damage or cracks to either plate, and all 6 original copper alloy acorns with oak leaves are still intact. I believe the "D" guard and clam shell were cast in aluminum because the hilt seems fairly light weight, but they're finished with a bright brass plating that has held up extremely well despite it's age. It's unusual to see plated aluminum rather than oxidized, and even more unusual to see it in this condition so I'm not certain if my theory is correct. My only clues are the weight and some very minor wear and faint scratches on the outer edge of the "D" guard where I can barely see a silver colored alloy below the plating...but only if I use my loop so I can assure you the wear is minimal and barely noticeable. The original leather scabbard is in unbelievable condition considering it's age. It's a little stiff, but there's no dry rot or cracking in the leather, and all of the dark brown/black finish remains intact. The non magnetic scabbard fittings appear to be solid brass with a dark age toning, but there's some reddish splotchy discoloration on the obverse lower fitting that I'm unable to explain. There's a similar stain on the reverse of the same fitting, but it looks like it came into contact with rust, and looks nothing like the patch on the obverse so your guess is as good as mine. The triple etched blade is near perfect with some very faint scratches from being pulled from the scabbard. The spine is etched with a simple laurel leaf pattern while the blade it's self features 2 elaborate panels with hunters, hounds, bores, stags, and foul. H�rster's trade mark is stamped into the obverse ricasso under the clam shell. The design features their intertwined initials "EFH" in the center of the oval with "E.u.F. H�RSTER SOLINGEN" around the perimeter.
Third Reich Depot, military collectables, World War II, Nazi Germany
Description