WWII German Rifle Association Cutlass – Damascus Presentation Blade (1939)

A Prestigious Marksmanship Award with Gold-Inlaid Dedication

This WWII German Rifle Association Cutlass is an exceptional ceremonial blade, featuring a Damascus steel blade with a gold-inlaid inscription that reads:

“Den besten Schützen 39” (translated: “To the Best Marksman 39”), indicating it was awarded in 1939 as a marksmanship honor. The blade is adorned with gilded oak leaf embellishments, symbolizing German hunting and shooting traditions.

Features a Damascus steel blade with elaborate gilded oak leaf motifs, a symbol of strength, tradition, and German hunting heritage. The high-quality craftsmanship of the blade suggests it was intended for a prestigious award or honorary presentation, likely linked to a German shooting guild or forestry association.

The ribbed ivory-colored grip, possibly made of celluloid or early synthetic ivory, is elegantly contoured, offering a refined aesthetic. The acorn-decorated crossguard and fluted pommel are signature design elements found on high-grade German hunting and forestry cutlasses of the era.

This piece retains its original black leather scabbard with polished metal fittings. The combination of gold embellishments, a Damascus-patterned blade, and an ornately designed hilt makes this a highly collectible and rare example of WWII-era German edged weapons.

This highly detailed close-up showcases the clamshell guard of a WWII German Rifle Association Cutlass, featuring an engraved Deutscher Schützenverband (German Shooting Association) insignia. The insignia consists of a black enamel eagle holding a circular target emblem, a design reflecting German shooting guild traditions of the pre-WWII and WWII period. Surrounding the central motif is a raised oak leaf and acorn engraving, a symbol of German hunting and forestry heritage.

The precision detailing, embossed lettering, and polished nickel plating indicate that this cutlass was a high-grade ceremonial or presentation piece, likely awarded to an elite marksman or high-ranking member of a German shooting guild. The presence of black enamel inlays and a refined surface finish further emphasizes the premium craftsmanship associated with prestigious Solingen blade manufacturers.

This WWII-era German Rifle Association Cutlass, crafted as a ceremonial presentation piece, is a rare and highly prestigious award from 1939, given to an elite marksman. Featuring an ornate Damascus steel blade with gold-inlaid oak leaf embellishments and a commemorative inscription, this cutlass was most likely awarded during a national shooting competition or military-affiliated marksmanship event.

The blade bears the dedication: “Den besten Schützen 39” (translated: “To the Best Marksman 39”), emphasizing its role as a trophy piece for superior shooting skills. The gold-inlaid oak leaf motifs and the “Echt Damast” marking confirm the use of genuine Damascus steel, a highly sought-after material reserved for high-ranking presentations and ceremonial weapons.

The hilt features a ribbed, ivory-colored grip, inlaid with a gilded crossed rifles emblem, further reinforcing its association with Germany’s shooting guilds and hunting traditions. The polished metal crossguard is adorned with acorn-shaped quillons, a signature element of German forestry and ceremonial hunting cutlasses. The large clamshell guard bears the official Deutscher Schützenverband (German Shooting Association) insignia, framed by an oak leaf wreath and enamel eagle with a target emblem.

The cutlass retains its original black leather scabbard with polished metal fittings, an essential detail in preserving its historical integrity and value.