Museum Replicas Limited recently posted what they call a "German Hunting Saber". It's pretty interesting.

Overall-39 1/8" Blade-33 1/2" long, 1 1/4" wide 3/16" thick Wt.-2 lbs. 10 oz.

I'm just happy to see more curved blades entering the marketplace. I think I'd personaly be a bit disapointed by the shaping the components, particularly the guard. But at the cost of less than $200 US, the shaping is probably appropraite for the price point. What's more unusual to me is the shaping of the blade, as it appears (by shape alone) to be more inspird by a katana than a hunting sword or messer of Germanic origin. The double fullers distract from this, but looking beyond them, the curvature and tip shape is just so katana-like to me.

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www.britishmilitaryswords.co.uk had a nearly identical sword for sale earlier this summer. It was an antique, of course. I cannot remember the blade shape, but the hilt is almost spot-on.

This one got my usual reaction to new MRL items:

Hey! Hmmm. Oh. Bah!

Another missed opportunity, I think. Maybe could be improved on the workbench. The katana tip's easy to change. Ditto for the quillon terminals. Pommel, not so much. I'd love to see the original.

It'd be interesting to see the sword they based it on and reference it to from this book:

"A Collectors Guide To Swords, Daggers, And Cutlasses" by Gerald Weland.

Anyone got a copy? I'll have a look around Leeds Armouries if I'm able to get over there in the near furture.

Ah, yes, but hilt, weight and balance aside, pair this blade up with a Paul Chen basket hilt and you would have a pretty nice Turcael. If I hadn't already made one up using a converted 1796 saber, I'd hop out and buy one. Wonder how easily the hilt could be removed...hummmm. By the way, the clipped point is just right. Take a look at the Peniculk sketches of Charles Stewart of Ardshiel's sword.

Here is the picture I promised, too bad the picture doesn't show the whole blade. A very elegant sword. The hilt and knuckleguard on the MRL looks to be too long, the proportions doesn't look as nice as on the original.

Quote:

Hunting sabre bearing the owner's initials and the date 1658; German, made in the archaic 'Old Franconian' style which was fashionable at the time. Its blade is 76.8cm (30.25 in) long and single-edged. A Collectors guide to Swords, Daggers & Cutlasses by Gerald Weland

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Thanks for getting the picture. You're right it looks like a very elegent sword. The proportions on the MRL don't look right and despite the fact I actually like the look of the MRL, it pales in comparison to the original.

I had the chance to handle two hunting swords whilst I was in Lindau, both a little more recent than the one in the book (early 1700's IIRC) Germany two years ago, but neither looked anywhere near as good as this one, although both handled very nicely. I wasn't allowed to take photos unfortunately. But I really like the way the wood is constructed within the handle as the metal curves round it to keep it in.

I think I might have to redesign the sword I'm thinking of getting made to incorporate some of the features on this sword :D

Thanks for sharing this.
I think it looks like a very attractive sword, and MRLs replica looks allright. I like to see some early sabers.

Cheers,
Henrik

Now I'm seeing a way to improve the looks of the repro. Filing or grinding the facets in the pommel, grip and side-ring could help a great deal. A softer finish or mild antiquing would help, too.

I'm of the opinion that the blade is a bit too long for the looks of the weapon. Proportions and such.....

Perhaps it would look better if the blade was cut down to 3/4 of it's current length.

I've been looking over this type of blade the past few months in prep for making a few. I agree with Caleb, the blade seems a bit long compared to what I've been seeing as German hunting blades. I think the pommel section is just begging for some etching or engraving on the MRL sword! The tip on that one absolutely has to go!

I came across a hunting sword in Wilkinson's Antique Arms and Armor. The hilt is of a similar form as the MRL piece, but it appears to have antler scales riveted to the tang (Edit: Well, duh, Jonathan, it says as much right there in the description!):

I quite like MRL's version of the sword.

Critiques aside, Windlass Steelcrafts uses good quality steel and it's finely tempered.

At this price point, despite the fact that the sword is not as elegant as the original,I am hard-pressed to find anything really wrong with the sword.

If anybody is interested I could do a review once I've got one and discuss the handling characteristics.