The hunting cutlass description is actually somewhat understandable as the hilt on this is likely a continental 'hirschfanger' which was the German term for hunting sword or coute de chasse (French). These most commonly were with grips of staghorn, ebony or sometimes ivory or bone. These are clearly modern replacement (beautifully done in wood!).
The blade and what appears to be its scabbard is indeed also Continental European, and the style of motif and bluing as well as early 19th c. military officers mounts suggest from an officers sabre. The sabres posted by Vandoo are with the karabela style hilt, while well known in Poland, and much favored on European hunting type swords.
The Zlatoust suggestion is interesting and as far as being a shashka it could be thought of in that term as Russian officers sabres were often called by that term, although obviously not the sabres we refer to as such. Russian military swords often followed French styles, and this seems to have a French or German military feel.
Russians often remounted trophy/award/diplomatic gift blades on other style hilts which were either presented to officers or sometimes heirloom type circumstances.
Hunting swords were often within the scope of officers military dress swords as the hunt was a status oriented situation where military and other fashion in weapons and accoutrements were quite de rigueur. This is why hunting and court swords are often seen paired in references.
|