German Hunting swords , thoughts and facts

[Akanthus]

Sorry,i forgot to show Pic.5

[Jim McDougall]

Very interesting topic. While the 'hunting sword' is of course presumed for use obviously in the 'hunt' many of these often transcend this specific designation into other use and intent. However as seen in references such as "Catalog of European Court Swords and Hunting Swords" (Bashford Dean, 1929) these types of swords are closely related in many cases.

The hunt was the tradition and pastime of the elite from nobility to high gentry and fashion was of course of the highest order, with weapons most important .
The styling of the elements of the hunting sword was of course often more 'rustic' than the typical highly embellished court sword, but still the styling was made to impress.

This example I have is clearly with the elements of stag horn and features similar to these shown, and carrying traditional conventions of style since the previous century. The monogram on the blade is the CT of Carl Theodor (1724-1799), Charles IV Elector of Palentina and Duke of Juelich-Berg from 1742 to 1777.

What is interesting here is the profoundly notable yataghan style blade. In the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), there were various supporting forces for Maria Theresa and the Habsburg Empire. These included units of Pandurs, auxiliary forces who favored oriental fashion and weapons such as the yataghan. Many of these were volunteers from Slovenia (Croatia) and other Balkan and East European regions.

It is possible this may have been such a sword, but the point is, the hunting sword in many cases was found employed in other uses.

[M ELEY]

Awesome collection of early hunting swords! Your research is very thorough! Not much to add but did want to point out (as Jim already did!) that many of these 'hanger' types also found their way into use by infantry and naval connections. The short, stout blades were ideal aboard the decks of very (over) crowded ships and it has even been said that the serrated blades originally meant for trussing game could be used to serrate rope, slash away fallen sails, etc. Likewise, many of these courtly swords were a show of prestige amongst naval officers.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Awesome collection of early hunting swords! Your research is very thorough! Not much to add but did want to point out (as Jim already did!) that many of these 'hanger' types also found their way into use by infantry and naval connections. The short, stout blades were ideal aboard the decks of very (over) crowded ships and it has even been said that the serrated blades originally meant for trussing game could be used to serrate rope, slash away fallen sails, etc. Likewise, many of these courtly swords were a show of prestige amongst naval officers.

Thank you for acknowledging my post Capn! As you have pointed out, the fact that these swords, while generally deemed 'hunting' weapons, also served in other capacity as required. This is most feasibly the reason that defensive guards were often present, despite the typical utilitarian connotation .

[Teisani]

This hunting sword hilt reminds me a bit of IX.634 from the Royal Armouries.
https://collections.royalarmouries.o...bject-120.html

[Akanthus]

Originally Posted by Teisani

This hunting sword hilt reminds me a bit of IX.634 from the Royal Armouries.
https://collections.royalarmouries.o...bject-120.html

Thank you.Very interesting......

[Jim McDougall]

Yes, most interesting I agree.