Rifle Association Dagger by Alcoso

Product Description: This rare Rifle Association Dagger by Alcoso is a dagger type missing from most collections. The blade is ornately etched on both sides and is very nice, with only slight traces of age. The reverse of the blade is stamped with the “scales” maker mark of Alcoso. The handle on this one has plated fittings, and a cream-colored grip that is unfortunately cracked, though everything is still there and together. The hilt has an applied, enameled emblem of the “Deutscher Schützen-Verband” (German Rifle Association). The crossed rifle emblem on the grip shown only extremely minimal wear. The blade buffer on this one is made of green felt, and is mostly intact, with some losses to the edges. This Rifle Association Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The original finish of the leather covering of the scabbard was not stable over time, and though all of the leather is present, the finish has deteriorated from age. The scabbard fittings have a slight patina, and are undamaged. This Rifle Association Dagger is also complete with the original patent leather frog that would allow this dagger to be worn on a belt. The patent leather surface has typical age crazing. Despite the crack in the grip, this remains a nice, complete rig, that displays handsomely, and is a representative example of a rare piece of regalia.

Historical Description: Hunting is a sport with a long tradition in Germany. As with any long tradition, it grew to become a practice steeped in ritual. Hunters generally were members of hunting clubs and organizations, which had permission to hunt specific state-owned forests, under the auspices of forestry organizations. Both the members of the hunting clubs, and those involved in forestry, had traditional hunting clothes, a sort of regalia that by the time of the Third Reich, had evolved into a uniform. These men carried traditional hunting daggers and cutlasses as part of their regalia. These was an almost infinite variety of these edged weapons, made by many makers, and available in countless styles to suit individual preferences. Some of these hunting daggers and cutlasses were mostly utilitarian and practical. They were used for the final thrust at the close of a successful hunt. Others were ornate, with detailed ornamentation, and were used for formal and ceremonial occasions when the traditional regalia were worn. These edged weapons were expensive and very personal objects for their original owners.

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