The German Hunting Association (Deutsche Jägerschaft) and Forestry Service Organization (Reichsforstdienst) eventually came under the NSDAP's supervision, as did all organizations in Germany. Both organizations were headed and under the control of Hermann Göring. The primary objective of the two was to conserve game and forests throughout the nation. In Germany much of the forests were privately owned, and as such, the owners would privately hire these officials to save and protect their land.
Hunting and Forestry cutlasses were privately purchased items and both types have endless variations. Some examples are fairly simple while others are complex being made of high quality materials and depict elaborate details. These pieces are very desirable among collectors as they offer a lifetime of pleasure finding new and interesting examples.
Forestry Daggers Hunting Daggers Shooting Daggers
Forestry Daggers
Forestry Cutlasses also have plenty of variations. The hilts all have 'd' guards that are either gold or silver washed, with a stag horn, celluloid or ivory grip. The grip has three pinned insignias (usually acorns) to the obverse and it usually has a clam shell. The scabbards are composed of leather shells with gold or silvered fittings that are normally secured by staples. The cutlass blades are acid etched with forestry scenes. The insignia of the organization is an eagle with a swastika in its talons, on occasion we see this embossed on the hilt.
Hunting Daggers
Hunting Hirschfangers are quite unique daggers. The hilts have a stag horn grip with a pommel and crossguard that are usually brass based and gold or silver washed. The scabbards are composed of green leather shells with gold or silvered fittings, which are normally secured by staples. The blades are acid etched with hunting scenes. The insignia of the organization is a stags head with a swastika between its antlers and the initials DJ (Deutsche Jägerschaft) that is pinned to the obverse of the horn grip.
Shooting Daggers
The German Rifle Association was made up of several independent shooting and target clubs. They would usually come together for occasions and competitions. The dagger's hilt consists of a nickel plated zinc based pommel, crossguard and clamshell. The grip consists of a white fluted celluloid grip over a wooden base. The grip has a pinned insignia of two mounted crossed rifles to the obverse. The scabbard is a black leather shell with plated fittings. The blades are double etched, featuring forestry/hunting scenes. The clamshell shows the Rifle Association's insignia: a shooting target on top of a bird's chest. Which is pinned to the front.