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Gardnerville · Nevada
© NGA
— An auction house by Witherell —
Lot 337
Imperial German Chief Forester’s Hunting Short Sword (Hirschfänger), by WKC, Solingen
Estimate: $500 - $1,000
Starting Bid
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $100 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
A richly decorated Imperial German Chief Forester’s short sword (Hirschfänger), featuring a heavily etched hunting-scene blade with motifs of stag, hunter with rifle, hounds, oak-leaf scrollwork, and trophy imagery. The gilt brass guard incorporates the classic scalloped shell guard and acorn finial. The hilt is fitted with iv*ry slab grips, each secured by domed gilt studs. The reverse ricasso bears the knight-head maker’s mark of WKC (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen). Includes the original companion skinner, housed in the scabbard’s front pocket, etched with matching floral panels. Complete with original portepee.
Dimensions: Short sword: 20 1/2 in. overall; blade 15 1/4 in. Skinner: 6 in. overall; blade 3 in.
Ivory Compliance Notice: This item contains less than 20% ivory by volume and is more than 100 years old, qualifying as an antique under federal law. Possession and sale of antique ivory is restricted in certain jurisdictions. Accordingly, this item cannot be shipped to California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, or the District of Columbia. Buyers in those jurisdictions may not bid. Successful purchasers are responsible for retaining any accompanying compliance documentation and ensuring adherence to all applicable laws. NGA reserves the right to cancel any sale that violates federal or state regulations.
Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $50 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.
Condition
Blade etching remains crisp with scattered age patina. Gilt hilt retains good color with expected handling wear. Ivory grips show natural age toning and faint shrinkage lines. Scabbard leather with surface wear and minor separation repairs near the throat; gilt brass mounts with patina and handling wear. Skinner blade with mottled age darkening. Portepee frayed from age but intact.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 20.50 in
- Modern Firearms — Nevada Gun Auctions will facilitate transfers of modern firearms manufactured from 1899 to the present to buyers holding a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) or a Collector of Curios & Relics License (C&R). All transfers to non-license holders will be conducted exclusively through Guns N Ammo, 1321 Hwy 395 #A, Gardnerville, NV 89410. Registration and transfer costs are as follows:
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- 2–4 firearms: $50 each
- 5–9 firearms: $25 each
- 10 or more firearms: $15 each
Shipping costs within the continental United States generally range:
- Handguns: $35–40 each
- Long guns: $75–100 each
All private-party purchases of modern firearms will be delivered to Guns N Ammo as soon as possible following Nevada Gun Auctions’ receipt of payment in full.
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