Hunting knife Detail

The use of hunting knives became more popular from the 17th century onwards, since they replaced traditional hunting pouches hunters' belts. Boasting a long blade with single cutting edge, this weapon was used to serve game or to cut its hock to trip it. The Musée de l'Armée has two collections of these knives in a dedicated area. They were particularly sought after across the Rhine and were characterized by the richness of their materials and the quality of the craftsmanship.
Our hunting knife can be broken down into three separate parts. Besides the knife itself, a gasket is slid into a small slot on the outer part of a sheath made from tan leather.
The main part has a mount formed of hilts that are curved slightly backwards and a gilded bronze shell, which has an embossed scene depicting a fight between a deer and a dog. Its spindle, which received a special Saxon enamel treatment, is decorated with mythological scenes, including a depiction of Diana, the Roman goddess of hunting. The spindle of the second blade also boasts rich enamel decoration and harmoniously completes the collection. Finally, the blade of the knife hides a surprise. Entirely engraved and gilded, it has an inscription on its central section, which appears to be a declaration of love for hunting: "LONG LIVE THE HUNT."