[Don Halter]

I've been wanting to do some German Hunting Swords. I really like the ones that have the shell gaurds on them. I was curious why the shell section always flares up? I this simply a rain gaurd for the scabbard and not really any type of hand protector...or just simply the fasion of the time? Most of the designs I originally drew up had it more out to the side and curving around down over the knuckles.

Here's a site that has several 18th century hunting swords:

Go to the "swords" section
http://www.cottoneauctions.com/TomWnuck/Price%20Results.htm

Any other good sites with these, or accurate reproductions of them?

[Mark Moore]

In recent times, short hunting swords have become a passion for me....enough so for me to start one in my backyard shop. Mine will have a shell-guard that is turned down toward the hilt. I have found this to be most common in my searches. I can see no real, logical answer for the guard going one way or the other. The whole point is to keep the sword-hand from slipping down a slick, bloody blade and having a half-dead boar hog gut you like a Scot with a Claymore.
This is interesting, though. Shells up...or shells down? Fellows? Input?
.............MM.

[Mark Moore]

By the way......Welcome fellow Texan....neighbor. Email me personally any time at chubmonkey75494@yahoo.com. Always glad to help, and loooooove to talk shop!.........MM.

[Craig Johnson]

Couple of things come to mind.

One, as was stated, more protective of the scabbard top when sheathed.

Two allows for better display of the artistic work on the out side of the shell.

Three does work well as a guard without hindering any grip or hand movment

It often seemed to me to be a development of the stud side guards on messers though this is purely my feverish brain speculating.

They did appear on other items, Landesknecht daggers for example.

Best
Craig

[Stephen A. Fisher]

Hi Don,

I have quite a few pictures of hunting swords if your interested in seeing more examples. I'll elaborate a bit upon what Craig said with pictures:

"Two allows for better display of the artistic work on the out side of the shell."
(The hunting sword while in earlier forms, was a weapon taken out to be used on the hunt. A&A's awesome 16th century reproduction comes to mind. ) http://armor.com/2000/catalog/item918.html

Jump to the 17th/18th century, these short swords, quite different from the example above, became to be worn as regular everyday swords, and like the smallsword, were often just as decorated. It should also be noted that the blades & hilts of these "hunting" swords were often etched with animals, and scenes of the hunt. Which is why I believe that many these 18th century hangers have the term "hunting sword." Many times, these swords are also referred to as "hangers."

some more examples...

English Silver-hilt circa 1745

[Stephen A. Fisher]

German Hunting Sword
18th century

[Stephen A. Fisher]

..

[Stephen A. Fisher]

...

[Stephen A. Fisher]

16/17th century Hunting Sword/Hanger

(I've seen this one in person, not the most comfortable to hold, but it was awesome. I'd gladly pay the $1,600 for it if had the $$ to spare. )

[Stephen A. Fisher]

I've have seen a few examples of these combination swords, pretty neat.

[Stephen A. Fisher]

..

[Stephen A. Fisher]

Colonial Hunting Sword 18th century

[Don Halter]

Wow, thanks for the detailed pics! I noticed that the style has dramatic changes over time. I had some pics of really early ones that were pretty basic. I took a trip to France a few years back and saw some nicer later ones. Quite a difference! I figured the later ones were probably used as dress more often than actual hunting purposes.
I'll have to dig out some of my sketches and psot the ideas I had. Your pics planted a few more ideas, though!

[Don Halter]

Mark,
We emailed once before I think. Aren't you just around th corner down in Navasota, or somewhere close?

Here's what I had in mind. On two, the guard is kind of a hybrid pierced/shell configuration.

You wouldn't happen to have a pic of one like the French one, looking down from above would you? I keep seeing what looks like metal edging on the handle. Are these decorative (etched or engraved) or just smooth?

[Stephen A. Fisher]

[John Piscopo]

Dear Don & Stephen,

Thanks for sharing pictures of the hunting swords. Here are pictures of some of mine.

[Don Halter]

Steven,
Thanks, that was exactly the angle I needed. I have some absolutely spectacular french walnut slabs. they aren't thick enough for a full handle, but perfect for slab style.

John,
I just sat here with my mouth hanging open when I saw your pics! You've obviously been collecting for a while. I might hit you up for few blade measurements and assorted questions in the not too distant future.

Thanks for all y'alls help!


Edit:
Actually, while I'm sitting at work gawking......
Can you get me info on:
First pic,
1st, 3rd, 6th (counting down from top handles on the extreme left of horizontal hung)
One on right hung diagonally in the foreground
1st (from left) hanging down at bottom

Second pic,
7th down hung horizontal
2nd from left and 1st from right on the vertical hung ones at bottom

Thanks in advance for any insight on these blades!

[John Piscopo]

Dear Don,

Glad you liked the pictures. Here are a few more, the first ones are all French.

[Timothy Gulics]

John's collection is so huge, it's scary. o.o

[Don Halter]

Add #5 and 8 from top (handles on extreme left) on pic above....


Man, your collection is incredible! How did you come by all these? Estate sales, or just years of collecting one at a time?