Hunting Dagger by Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn

On 8 August 2026, Thomas sent us an ornately decorated hunting dagger with a matching sheath for an assessment of its originality and value. The blade bears the etched inscription “Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn, Solingen”. The knife has a slender polished blade with decorative etching, a handle with a central section presumably made of antler, richly decorated metal fittings and an animal-head pommel.

The metal parts on the handle and sheath appear to be slush cast. A screw or threaded tang probably runs through the handle and holds its individual parts together. Based on the construction and design, the piece may have been made well before the 1960s. A more precise date cannot be established without additional detailed photographs.

The etched manufacturer’s name alone does not confirm authenticity. Any assessment must determine whether the etching, blade, cast fittings, handle and sheath are consistent in age and were originally made as a set. Later assembly or the replacement of individual parts cannot be ruled out from the photograph provided.

Its current value depends heavily on originality, age, condition, rarity and whether the knife and sheath belong together. Depending on their design and condition, comparable non-military Solingen hunting knives often sell in the two-figure to low three-figure range; particularly rare or well-documented examples may fetch more. Before purchasing, the knife should therefore be examined in person by a knowledgeable collector, auction house or specialist dealer.

For a more detailed assessment, we still need the following information: overall length, blade length and weight; sharp photographs of both sides of the blade, the blade shoulder, spine, screw or pommel and all marks or numbers; photographs of the front and back of the sheath as well as its mouth and fittings; information on whether the handle or fittings are loose; and the known provenance of the knife, any family history and, if available, the asking price. Please do not disassemble the knife.