The hilt incorporates the arms of Hungary and various arms of Austria (introduced 7 November 1915), with the motto 'Indivisibiliter ac inseparabiliter'. On the back is 'Geschutzt' (= patented) Hirschler' and the blade is stamped 'Offizielle Kriegsfursorge' (official war fund) - ie it is an official piece for raising money for the war effort.

This would have been part of a by-knife set from the scabbard of a Scots dirk. Together with a small knife of matching design, the set would have been mounted on the outer face of the scabbard, normally one above the other. The dirk would have been mounted en-suite with a large citrine as a pommel.