Hannoversche Hirschfänger

Teil 2: Ausgewählte Hirschfänger mit hannoverschen Merkmalen

Abstract

In this essay 14 “Hirschfänger”, hunting daggers, are illustrated and discussed. They can be related to the electorate or the kingdom of Hanover through makers marks, the shape of the grips and heraldic motifs. Four weapons (1-4) are discussed in more detail. They bear the marks of the royal manufacture of small-arms in Herzberg am Harz, run by the state between 1739 and 1803. Weapons 5 and 6 are composites: older, shorter blades were mounted on Hirschfänger grips. The heraldic motifs and blade etchings prove without doubt that these former sword blades belong to the electorate of Hanover. The grips are the main focus of the next group of weapons. They are either identical to, or derivates of, pattern grips. Weapons 7 and 12 are examples of artistic variations, where the basic shape of a “Försterhirschfänger”, a forester hunting dagger, can still be seen.
The essay ends with the discussion of a set made up of a Hirschfänger with matching hanger and a pair of high-quality epaulettes formerly in the possession of the House of Hanover. Both objects are associated through forestry and hunting symbolism (Sotheby’s, Marienburg Auction 2005). The definition of “Hirschfänger” taken from “Krünitz”, an authoritative encyclopaedia of the 18th and 19th century, is reproduced in facsimile as an appendix.