National Rifle Association Cutlass [M1939] by E. & F. Hörster Co., Solingen

This DSV [Deutscher Schützen-Verband] National Shooting Association Cutlass is in EXC++ condition. Model 1939. The total length is 53.8 cm with the maker mark on the blade: E. & F. Hörster Co., in Solingen.

Grip: The grip is a wood base, which has fluted lines running the length. This grip is covered with an off-white celluloid. The center of the obverse grip has an applied set of gilded crossed hunting rifles. The hilt fitting on these cutlasses are of lightweight aluminum, having a nickel-plated finish. The nickel-plating is outstanding throughout this piece. The pommel has the usual screw at the top, with also works to retain the blade. This pommel cap, at the upper portion, has fluting which runs around the entire circumference, while at the edges the metal is decorated with twin lines. The ferrule, which tapers downward, repeats the line decoration, having four sets of twin lines. The crossguard below has choice nickel-plating throughout. The center area in the quillon arms are smooth. At the left end the quillon points upward, topped with a nicely detailed acorn, with the right end points downward and bears yet another detailed acorn. The hilt also features a clamshell below the crossguard. This clamshell has a pebbled background, and raised out along the edges are an oak leaf wreath on the left side, which joins with a laurel wreath, complete with berries, on the right side. The center area has an applied round insignia, which features an black enamel target-style eagle, having a white target in the belly. Around the edge of the medallion is the name of the organization, Deutscher Schützen Verband. The words are separated by two small swastikas, which are the only ones that appear on these cutlasses.

Blade: The long blade is 40,3 cm in length. This blade has a matte finish, and is etched. The etch on the obverse features floral designs near the ricasso, and features a target design superimposed over crossed rifles. Next comes more floral decoration, and a forestry scene with two bucks resting under a tree. The reverse etch features a star-like plant near the ricasso area, with floral detailing in which can be see various hunting implements. In the center are is another forest scene, this one depicting a large stag leaping over a fence. The etch is finished out with more floral designs. This type of blade normally does not have etching on the spine. The ricasso is stamped with the double ovals which contain the firm’s name and location, E. & F. Hörster Solingen. In the center is a large “H” letter having two smaller letters being a “H” and “S” in the center. A downward pointing sword pierces the two smaller letters. The original felt buffer is in place showing only nominal usage.

Scabbard: The scabbard shell is a fine black leather, still nice and supple, with twin accent lines running the length of both sides. The scabbard is sewn of the center of the reverse facing in the usual manner. This leather is really in exceptional condition, having no kinks in it, which are often found on these scabbards. These mounts are plain, having scalloped edges where they met the shell. The upper mount is equipped with a oval-shaped lug which acts to carry a frog. The mounts are retained by staples in the usual manner.

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