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H059457 FARRIER'S RIGHT HAND HOOF KNIFE.
(Hufmesser für Hufbeschlagpersonal)BACKGROUND: Although considered highly mobilized for its time the German army still utilized a great number of horses through-out WWII with the average infantry division containing roughly five thousand horses. In 1939 the German army also had fifteen, primarily horse-mounted, Cavalry regiments that were mainly tasked with tactical reconnaissance. Even though most of the Cavalry units were mechanized by 1940 they still utilized a large number of horses through-out the war. By 1943 the Germans were experiencing fuel and vehicle shortages which resulted in an increase in the number of horses utilized in the field. Although each division, excluding Panzer and motorized divisions, were appointed a veterinarian company that were responsible for caring for horses, pack mules, dogs and even carrier pigeons there were also specially trained, individual EM/NCO Hufbeschlagpersonal, (Farriers), personnel who were responsible for the care of horse’s hoofs and combined the basic skills of a blacksmith and a veterinarian. The primary function of the Farriers was the balanced trimming of horse’s hoofs and the fitting of steel horseshoes. As a result Farriers were outfitted with special equipment that included specific hoof knives. The hoof knives came in assorted sizes and both left and right hand models. Due to the large numbers of horses utilized hoof care was of the utmost importance to maintain mobility.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The unique Farrier’s hoof knife consists of a roughly, 2 7/8" long, drop forged steel construction slightly curved blade, with a semi-circular, curved inward tip. The blade is in overall very good condition with light surface scratching and some minor surface spotting and the cutting edge is still quite sharp. The obverse ricasso is well marked with the stamped manufacturer’s name and date, "Hauptner 1934", and an additional, "H" presumably indicating, "Heer", (Army). The knife has roughly, 5" long, nicely contoured, carved, natural hardwood grips which are secured to the blade tang by two small, flush, flat headed, steel rivets. The handle is well marked with an impressed Reichswehr era waffen-amt stamp. The knife comes complete with a roughly 5 1/4" long, slightly curved, mid-brown leather construction protective sheath with machine stitched side and bottom seams. The sheath is also well marked with an impressed King’s crown positioned above the Roman numeral, "II", and an additional impressed marking consists of, "TDI 28", which is possibly the manufacturer’s initials and date. The sheath is in overall good condition with minor chafe wear. Scarce Farrier’s tool in overall very good condition.
GRADE **** PRICE $138.00
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