Jagdabzeichen

Hunt insignias (or Jagdabzeichen in German) have been a part of the continental hunting tradition for centuries. In the 19th century, marksmen began to receive trophies (in what was formerly the Austrian Hungarian Empire)  in the form of insignias for their shooting achievements. Hubert Count of Vojkffy wrote about the origins of the hunting insignia traditions that, as a small, simple sign of togetherness, someone thought of having a small symbol of their family or their place of residence made, decorated with various hunting motifs made. Elsewhere Prince Schwarzenberg remembered: “The valet received new liveries, the coachmen got new overcoats. A separate hunt insignia to be placed on the hats of all huntsmen and gamekeepers was minted”. Follow my German language blog Jagdjuwelier - Einzigartige Hutnadeln (sowie Jagdschmuck) aus Wien, Österreich here.