Volunteer Fire Department forces were permitted to wear a special dress bayonet. It was similar to the K-98 Dress Bayonet, except there are two quillons in the crossguard design instead of only one. The left example sweeps upward, while the right example sweeps downward. There is no rifle mounting slot provision in the hilt. The bakelite checkered grip plates, blade, scabbard and carrying frog are identical to that of the K-98 Dress Bayonet. The bayonet was available in short, long or sawbacked blade.
The Fire Official's dirk was a very long weapon worn by volunteer and professional Fire Officers. The Dirk was worn beginning about 1850 and continued through the 3rd Reich period in the same basic configuration. It is one of the few examples which did not incorporate a swastika in the design. Most examples approached 20 inches in length, while some Imperial pieces were even longer. The hilts were usually composed of silvered nickel base metal. The pommel was normally a round shape, with crossguard center block often featuring crossed axes. The crossguard arms extended to quillon ends in the shape of spear points or clover leaves. The grip was wire-wrapped black celluloid or black leather over wood base. The scabbard shell was produced of black leather with three, line-decorated mounts. The upper two mounts were equipped with hanging rings. The long blade was double-etched depicting floral designs mixed with fire scenes and equipment.
While fireman used axes for the business end of their organization, many also had dress versions which were used for parade and presentation purposes. These dress axes can run the gamut from simple polished nickel heads with black or brown wood handles, to most elaborate etched, gold embellished beauties, some equipped with fluted ebony or even genuine ivory handles, presentation plates and beautiful lower escutcheon decorations. Senior examples were usually finish in gold.
FIRE #34928C Etched Fire Department Dress Axe with Dedication
This Fireman's Dress Axe is a fine item that was apparently issued prior to the Nazis coming to power, since it was in 1927, we can be fairly sure the axe was used during the Third Reich time. This axe head is slightly narrower than they usually are, having the cutting end on the right side, and the pierced, pointed end on the left. The face of the axe has a fine frosted background, and features raised-out floral designs. On the cutting edge side of the axe, there is a fireman’s helmet positioned over two crossed axes. The details are outstanding throughout the etching on both sides. The axe is equipped with a wooden handle, which has original black paint, and does show quite a bit of hand wear, and rates at maybe 50% remaining. The lower portion of the handle has a matching nickel protective cap, which is smooth throughout, and retained by a screw on the bottom. The upper edges of the handle each have an escutcheon plate, which is retained by a screw. On the obverse upper portion of the handle is a very fine plaque. This plaque has cut out edges, which have florals cut into the surfaces of the edges, giving the presentation plaque the look of old parchment. Neatly jeweler engraved on the plaque is a nine line dedication, “DIE STADT/DINGELSTADT/H.EDUARD WETZEL/fur 40 jahrige/treu geleisteten DIENSTE/in der freiwill /FEUERWEHR/ 22. MAI 1927. This plaque basically translates that it was presented by the town of Dinglestadt to H. Eduard Wetzel, for forty years of outstanding service with the volunteer fire department on May 22nd, 1927. A fine example here of professional engraving, and a great fire axe, which must have been cherished by Herr Wetzel. A great looking addition here for any fire department collection.Excellent. $1,995.00
- FIRE #34929C Fireman's Dress Axe
This Fireman’s Dress Axe is constructed of heavy, nickel-plated steel throughout. The head is a thinner type, featuring a cutting edge on one end, and a point on the other. The head is retained by a stepped mount, which is held in place by a screw. The wooden handle has excellent black paint, which still remains at near 100%. The edges of the handle at the upper part are equipped with escutcheon plates, which in turn have eyelets, and ringlets for carrying the axe. On both sides of the handle, there are presentation plaques, but both of the plaques are void of any dedication. The lower portion of the handle is protected by a nickel plated cap, which has a round, doorknob-like end. A nice looking, standard Fireman’s Dress Axe here, in excellent condition. FIRE #34904C Fireman's Long Bayonet with Frog and Troddel
This Fireman’s Long Bayonet is in outstanding condition throughout. The hilt section has perfect plated surfaces, still having nice brightness to them, and showing only the most nominal age. The grip plates are the black checkered variety, still being crisp, and in perfect condition. They are retained by steel rivets, having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard shell is straight throughout, and has extremely fine, original black paint. This paint still is in mint condition.Attached to the scabbard is a mint conditioned, black leather frog. This frog is a real beauty. Attached to the frog is the original troddel, still in the fireman’s tie. This troddel is equipped with black leather strapping, having triple gold colored wire running the length. The slide is also leather with decorative wire. The stem is the flat type, having a crochet like yarn over a metal base. The lower ball is of aluminum bullion and a pink, yarn like thread. The stuffing below is a pink felt in perfect condition.
The blade of this example is the long type, having wide fuller construction. It is unmarked, but is still in choice, bright condition. The original leather buffer is in place. A very fine Fireman’s Bayonet here.
Mint. $295.00
FIRE #34905C Fireman's Long Bayonet with Frog and Troddel
This complete Fireman’s Bayonet rig is in outstanding condition throughout. The hilt plating is still bright, and is one hundred percent. The grip mates are crisp, being the black, checkered type. These grip plates are retained by nickel rivets, having dressed heads on the obverse. The crossguard, of course, is the up and down type used by the fireman. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The original paint is nice and bright, and except for a couple of the most minor of chips, this paint is in near mint condition.There is a very fine, near mint, black leather frog in place. This frog is equipped with a fireman’s troddel, which is still in the original fireman’s tie. This troddel consists of black leather strapping, having triple gold color wire stitching. The slide is of woven leather with wire trim, and the stem is the flat type, having crochet revealing the metal below. The ball consists of bullion and alternating pink colored yarn like material. The stuffing is a pink, velvet type however, a moth has gotten to this stuffing, and only about 50% remains.
The bright, nickel plated blade is in choice condition, rating mint. It has the wide fuller construction. Although the blade is not maker marked, it is stamped with a distributor on the obverse, “ A. ZIEGLER/GIENGEN/a. B-ONZ”. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. A very nice, long fireman’s bayonet here.
Mint. $295.00
FIRE #34829 Fireman's Long Bayonet with Frog and Troddel - L+E
This Fireman’s Bayonet is quite desirable, because it has the maker mark, having a swastika in the logo. We will get to that later on in the description. The nickel plating throughout this piece is fairly good with some minor freckling showing on both sides of the pommel area. The crossguard is still fairly good, but does show minor age also. The grip plates are the black checkered type, being in perfect condition, and retained by nickel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard shell is straight throughout, having a really outstanding, original black paint. This paint is in mint condition.There is a matching, choice conditioned, black leather frog. It is interesting to note that this frog is stamped on the back with the L&E full maker name, as well as the town where they hailed, “BIELEFELD”. Attached to the frog is a choice fireman’s troddel. The troddel appears to be in the original tie. This fine troddel is in near full mint condition, having black strapping with triple wire stitching. The slide is of woven leather, with bullion trim. The stem is the flat type, which has the crochet like covering, which reveals the metal below. The ball for this example is of alternating aluminum and pink yarn like material, having a pink velvet insert in perfect condition.
The blade of this example has the wide fuller construction, and remains bright and in mint condition. Stamped onto the obverse is the popular logo appearing within a circle. It features the capital letters, “L+E”, with a line below them. In between the two letters is a fireman’s helmet with a comb on the top. Inside of the helmet is a swastika that can be readily seen through a loop. The brown leather blade buffer is in place. This is a great combination here, not only to have a complete Fireman’s Bayonet, but one with the maker mark on the blade being the same as the company’s name stamped into the reverse of the frog. A truly collectible Fireman’s Bayonet here.
Near Mint. $495.00
FIRE #34965 Firemans's Long Bayonet with Frog - Horst Wolff Distributor
This Fireman’s Bayonet has excellent nickel plating to the hilt. The plating is all there, and should clean up to near mint condition, as it shows only a little nominal usage. The grip plates are nice and crisp, they are checkering. These grip plates are retained by nickel plated rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard has just the slightest of a ripple on the obverse, and the reverse, but the flaw is hardly noticeable. The original black paint is still in excellent condition, having a good shine in its surfaces. This paint rates at about 95%.There is a black frog attached, which shows some mild attic crazing, but it is not bad. This quality frog is retained by four rivets, two on each end, and with a fifth rivet in the center reverse. A nice frog here. The blade of this example is the long style, having wide fuller construction. The blade is in mint condition. It is not maker marked, but carries the marking of the distributor, “HORST WOLFF G.M. b. H./LEIPZIG C1”. The original, brown leather blade buffer is in place. A good example here.
Excellent Plus. $195.00
FIRE #34739C Imperial Fire Official’s Dirk with Dedication – W.K.& C.
This Fire Official’s Dirk, although it is an Imperial piece, is exactly the same configuration as was made during the Third Reich period. This piece has a round ball top pommel being identical to the pommels made for naval pieces except for having nickel-plated finish. The motif of the ball pommel features cattails and reeds over a series of cresting waves. The detail is outstanding to the cattails and reeds reflecting hand enhancing. The pommel is retained by a peened over tang. The ferrule below is matching nickel having twin line raised decoration. The crossguard consists of a square center block having floral designs on both sides. Going outward are four-sided quillon arms and they end with quillon ends in the shape of spear tips. The nickeling throughout these parts is 100%. The grip appears to be a fine ebony wood being carved and having sections which run downward from right to left. The grip is in perfect condition having a black shiny finish. If you look closely you can see some of the wood grain beneath the finish. This grip is tightly wrapped with twisted silver wire. A very fine hilt here!The scabbard shell is made of leather. This leather only shows for a short portion of the scabbard as the upper fittings on these fire official pieces are very long having double carrying rings. The leather that does show however is still in choice condition showing little age and decorated with twin lines on both sides being sewn up the middle. The upper scabbard mount is matching nickel-plated having twin decorative lines that run around the areas that the plain eyelets connect. This mount is decorated with a scalloped end where it meets the leather, the same being the case on the lower mounts. This lower mount also has twin line decoration. These mounts are retained by staples and have numerals showing beneath the staples. The upper scabbard mount has a fine three line dedication done in beautiful professional Gothic engraving, “Gew. s. Komand. L. Wimkelmann / u.d.Führerschaft Waldkirchen / 14.4.1906”. In other words, this beautiful weapon was “Given to Commander F. Wimkelmann from the Leadership of Waldkirchen on April 14, 1906”. Obviously Herr Wimkelmann was the commander of the fire brigade from the town of Waldkirchen. A beautifully done dedication here that looks like it was engraved yesterday.
The blade of this example is 11½ inches in length. It is a traditional fire official’s design having center ridge with double edges and a ricasso. The blade is beautifully etched with floral designs flanking a center panel on the obverse which portrays a ladder, hooks, a lantern, drum, axes and a fire helmet. There is nice frosting behind this design to show off the fine points. The reverse of the blade is mostly all floral designs with a pair of crossed swords at the bottom area near the ricasso. This blade is still nice and bright and is in near full mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the turn of the last century logo of a king next to a knighthead and below the firm’s initials, “W.K.&C.”. The original red felt buffer is in place showing only nominal wear. The overall length of this Fire Dirk is only 17 inches. It is not one of these huge pieces that are very difficult to store. A very classy item here which as I say was the same as the pieces made into the middle 1930s. A great addition for a Third Reich or Imperial collection.
Near Mint. $2,995.00
FIRE #34742 Fireman Long Bayonet with Saw Back Blade – Alcoso
This Fireman’s Bayonet has good nickel-plated hilt showing some mild patination as I do not believe that the nickel has been cleaned in many years. It looks to be in excellent condition however beneath the patination showing only the most modest of age. The grip plates are the black checkered variety and they are in perfect condition. These plates are retained by nickel rivets having dressed heads. The frog is straight throughout and has excellent original black paint. This paint has some spidering and some signs of carrying here and there but overall it is at least about 95% and still has good shine to it. The bayonet frog is a fine black leather example which is of fairly large proportion being the type we normally see on police bayonets. There is an interesting fireman’s troddel on this frog being different from the usual. This troddel has black cloth strapping instead of the leather type and instead of the aluminum triple stitching it has nylon stitching. I’m sure that his is attributable to a later period. The stem, cap and lower ball have the alternation pink and white colors with pink felt stuffing.The long style blade has a wide fuller construction and it is perfectly nickel-plated being an outstanding mint example. The spine of this blade has a saw back cut into it and it is very sharp indeed to the touch of a finger. These saw back blades were an optional that was available at extra cost. Because of this we do not see a lot of them. The blade is stamped with the trademark used from 1937 through 1939. It consists of a set of scales having the firm’s initials, “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales is the firm’s name in block letters in an arch shape, “Alcoso” and below the location city of “Solingen”. I also notice that the number “82” is stamped into the reverse crossguard. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. A good chance here to acquire a difficult to find saw back bayonet.
Excellent Plus. $695.00
FIRE #34590 Fireman's Short Bayonet - Emil Voos
This Voos-made Fireman's Bayonet has good nickel plating and on the obverse, it is nearly perfect. The reverse shows just the slightest bit of age in the pommel area, but there is no plating missing and if cleaned up, it would be hardly noticeable. The grip plates are the black, checkered variety, and they are in perfect condition. These grip plates are retained by nickel rivets, having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard is straight throughout and has excellent, original paint rating at about 85%. There is a frog that has a retainer loop and boss button. The blade is the short style, with narrow fuller and stepped end. The blade is in mint condition with the Emil Voos logo. It has the original blade washer.Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00
FIRE #32558C Fire Award Certificate for 2nd Class Fire Brigade Medal
This Award Certificate was for the 2nd Class Brigade Medal and signaled 25 years good service. The award was given to, “Oberfeuerwehrmann Peter Rabus”. The award was made in, “Memmingerberg”. The award is dated 16 Dezember 1939 and has a Meissner facsimile signature and the open-winged eagle and swastika embossed seal. The award was folded four ways but the folds are not bad. A great certificate to display with a fire award medal.Excellent. $150.00
FIRE #33993C Fireman’s Short Bayonet
This Fireman’s Short Bayonet has a near Full Mint outside. The hilt plating is as nice as you will see still having its original factory sheen and being 100% throughout. The crossguard has the traditional curvature with the left quillon pointing upward and the down right quillon pointing down. The grip plates are the black checkered variety and they are in perfect condition. These plates are retained by nickel rivets which have dressed heads on the obverse. A beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is also a fine example. This scabbard has two tiny carrying hits and the most nominal of age in the paint which still remains at near 100% and retains its factory brightness. Attached to the scabbard is an outstanding conditioned black leather frog. This frog is also in a near full mint state.The short style blade has the stepped end with narrow fuller. Although the plating is still nice and bright unfortunately somehow the blade has gotten scratched mostly around the edge area where it appears as though an amateur tried to sharpen it. There is also a slight ripple in the tip. If there was ever a fireman’s bayonet that could use a replacement blade this example would be a good candidate as it would grade mint after that. The blade is protected by a brown leather blade washer.
Excellent Plus. $195.00
FIRE #33611C Fireman’s Short Dress Bayonet – Carl Eickhorn
The hilt mounts of this Fireman’s Bayonet are still bright and in pristine condition with 100% nickel plating. The crossguards are the style which go upward at the left and downward at the right. The grip plates are the black checkered type. They are in perfect condition and are retained by nickel-plated rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout still having bright original factory paint. This paint shows very little usage and rates at about 98%.The short style blade has the stepped end with narrow fuller. The nickel plating to this blade is highest quality and the blade remain in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 trademark consisting of a squirrel holding a downward pointing sword. The word, “original” is above the squirrel and below is the name of the factory and location, “Eickhorn / Solingen”. On the obverse ricasso the distributor’s name and location is deeply stamped in an arch shape, “K. Negele / Tübingen”. The original new-like brown leather blade washer is in place. A very fine example here and desirable with both the maker and distributor markings.
Mint Minus. $325.00
FIRE #33588C Fireman’s Long Dress Bayonet with Distributor
This Fireman’s Long Dress Bayonet has excellent nickel-plated hilt finish. The nickel plating is 100% throughout and is in a near mint state. The grip plates are the black checkered bake-o-lite type and they are in perfect condition. These plates are retained by nickel-plated steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard is a fine straight example having excellent original black paint. The reverse of the scabbard has nearly perfect paint and the obverse has some age spidering in the surfaces but none of the paint is missing. This scabbard paint grades at about 98%. Attached to the fireman’s bayonet is a rough leather frog usually being the type we associate with combat bayonets. This frog does appear original to the piece however. The leather to this frog is in good condition and it is retained by aluminum rivets.The long style blade is a beauty having outstanding nickel-plated finish. This mint conditioned blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with the name of the distributor. The name is in an arch shape over the location city, “Horst Wolff G.m.b.H. / Leipzig”. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. A nice, good quality bayonet here.
Excellent Plus, Plus. $295.00
FIRE #30623C Fireman's Short Bayonet - A. Ziegler Giengen
This short style fire bayonet has a couple of interesting features about it that we don’t see on other types. If there are collectors of different maker marks and different types of fire bayonets I’m sure they would be interested in this example. The bayonet differs from some as it comes from the Albert Ziegler Company in Giengen who were and are today leaders in fire department equipment. Although I don’t believe they made this bayonet they may have had a hand in the fashion it was constructed. At any rate, the bayonet is very heavy in the hand and extremely substantial. It has a solid steel base and has outstanding nickel plating. In fact, this nickel plating is easily in full mint condition. It is interesting to note though that the crossguard on this example is slightly different from others in that the up and down arms are not as long as others and also the quillon ends do not curve as much. In addition to this, the center blocks of both sides are flat instead of rounded as most fire department examples will be. I know that these fire bayonets are not held in great esteem or rarity but it is interesting to take a second to look at some of the subtleties that do occur occasionally in even the most common of items. The grip plates of this example are very crisp and in choice condition being the black checkered celluloid variety. The grip plates are retained by steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. These rivets are slightly larger than the ones we normally see. The scabbard of this example is a standard type and it is in excellent condition with fine original black paint. There are only a few scratches and signs of wear on this scabbard and it still rates in nearly full mint condition. The scabbard has the smaller lug that normally is produced by Hörster. Looking behind the lug I see that there is also an “H” stamping so more than likely Hörster produced this scabbard and maybe the whole bayonet. The blade is the short style but what is different is that it is not the normal stepped end variety. Rather it is a standard type blade and instead of a narrow fuller has a wide fuller. This finely done blade is nice and bright and is in near full mirror mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped, “A. Ziegler / Giengen / A. Brenz”. The original washer is in place but instead of a letter type this one is a brown felt. A very interesting high quality fire bayonet here.Mint. $325.00
FIRE #30624C Fireman's Long Bayonet
This Fireman’s Long Bayonet is about as nice as you will find them. The hilt fittings are in choice condition having full mint nickel-plated surfaces throughout. The crossguard is the usual up and down type. The grip plates are crisp and in perfect condition having fine checkering to the black celluloid. The rivets are the nickel-plated steel type having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard is nice and straight and has outstanding original paint. The only portion where the paint is missing is a little bit on the lower obverse ball. Otherwise this scabbard has near full mint paint. The long blade is a beauty having highest quality nickel-plated finish. This blade easily rates in full mint throughout. The fuller is the wide style. This unmarked blade is protected by the in place brown leather washer. A very nice fireman’s bayonet here.Mint. $250.00
FIRE #25993 Fire Department Long Bayonet - Carl Wüsthoff
The hilt of
this Fire Department example reflects outstanding nickel plated
finish. This nickel plating is 100% throughout and retains its
factory brightness. The grip plates are the black Bakelite type,
having fine checkering. They are retained by nickel plated rivets
having dressed heads on the obverse. The blade is as nice as they
come. It is a long style with wide fuller construction. The nickel
plated finish is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso
is stamped in two small arches facing each other. The top arch
is “Carl Wüsthoff”, and the bottom arch is “Solingen”.
The black leather blade washer is in place. The scabbard is nice
and straight and has good original paint. This paint has some
spidering in the finish, but, overall, it is still about 98%.
There is no frog. A nice overall example.Near Mint. $225.00
FIRE #26744C Long Fireman's Bayonet - C. Gustav Spitzer
This Long Fireman
Bayonet is without a scabbard, but man, is it a nice looking item!
The hilt fittings have 100% of the nickel plating, and the plating
is still as bright as the day it was done. The grip plates are
the black checkered bakelite, and they are also in choice crisp
condition. These plates are retained by nickel plated rivets,
having dressed heads on the obverse. These rivets still retain
all of their plating. The long style blade is quality nickel plated,
and also is factory-new, in mint condition. The blade is the style
with wide fuller construction. The reverse has the stamping of
the producer, being a circle. Around the circle is the producer’s
name and location, “C. Gustav Spitzer, Solingen”. In
the center is the prancing lion logo, with his flickering tongue.
The original brown leather new-like washer is in place. If you
have a mint scabbard to go with this piece, it will make for a
tremendous Fire Department addition. This bayonet is in mint condition
throughout.Mint. $225.00
FIRE #26770 Fireman's Long Bayonet
This Fireman's
Bayonet has excellent plating across its hilt sections. This nickel
plating covers at 100%, and only shows the most nominal of age.
The grip plates are the black checkered variety, and they are
in perfect condition. These plates are retained by nickel plated
steel rivets, having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard
is nice and straight, and has outstanding original black paint.
This paint shows only the most nominal of age, and is missing
only at the bottom ball. The rest of it is all there. There is
a good black leather frog, which is of 2-rivet construction. This
frog is also in near mint condition. The long style blade is the
type with wide fuller construction. This blade has outstanding
nickel plated surfaces, and remains in near full mint condition.
The blade is protected by the in-place brown leather washer. A
good collectable example here.Near Mint. $225.00
FIRE #27281C Fireman's Dress Axe
This nickel
plated Fireman’s Dress Axe is slightly unusual from others
I have seen. The axe head itself has a nice sharpened end on the
left and before it tapers to a point at the rear, there is a step-up
area in the shape. This gives the head an unusual look. There
is a hardwood handle which is painted black, and the paint is
still in fairly good condition. The escutcheon plates at the edges
are retained by screws. It is interesting to note that there are
no handing rings on the escutcheon plates but, below the right
plate, there is a ring and eyelet assembly which is attached to
the handle itself. Grabbing this ring, the balance of the axe
is perfect for a single hanging strap. The lower portion of the
handle has a nickel chape area but at the bottom of it, instead
of the usual round ball device there is a flame shaped fitting
which is highly unusual. It is also possible to read the name
of the original owner of this example, as it is lightly scratched
into the surface of the upper axe handle “Emil Benten”.
This is a great addition for someone collecting fire axes, as,
frankly, I have never seen any of the unusual features on this
piece. Overall, there is minor aging but this axe would clean
up nicely.Excellent Plus. $1,195.00
FIRE #27287 Fireman's Long Parade Bayonet
This Fireman’s
Bayonet is quite an interesting example, as it has a couple of
odd variations. We will get to them in a minute. First of all,
the hilt of this example is still bright and pristine throughout.
The nickel plating is easily 100%, and retains its fine original
sheen. The grip plates are the black bakelite type, and they are
crisp and perfect. These plates are retained by nickel rivets,
having dressed heads on the obverse. A fine hilt here. The scabbard
of this example is straight throughout. It has near perfect original
black paint, having a couple of age spots in the surfaces, but
nothing bad. It is interesting to note, though, that about the
last 4 inches of the scabbard have been painted white. The white
paint is old and is absolutely period. As we know, frequently
leather accoutrements were worn in a white finish during parade.
I suspect that this was the purpose of this white paint job, as
it definitely was not an accidental thing, or something that some
vet did. It was purposeful, and to my way of thinking, would be
appropriate for parades. In addition to the white paint, it is
also interesting to note that the lug on the scabbard is completely
void of any lined decoration. We see this treatment on NPEA lugs
of Eickhorn vintage, but this is the first time I recall seeing
this feature on a bayonet scabbard. In addition to the plain lug,
it is also unusual to see that the accompanying frog is a brown
color instead of black. Usually, fireman’s frogs will be
of black leather not, brown leather. It is possible that someone
added this frog at a later date, but this of course, would be
hard to tell. Either way, the frog really looks nice with this
black scabbard with white chape, and choice nickel plated hilt
of the bayonet. A fine interesting bayonet here, and if there
are collectors of “fireman bayonet types” out there,
I am sure they would be interested in this unusual piece.Near Mint. $350.00
FIRE #27373 Fireman's Long Bayonet - L. & E.
The hilt fittings
of this example have all of their nickel plating. This plating
is still quite bright and, if cleaned up some, would even look
better. The grip plates are the black checkered Bakelite, they
are in perfect condition and are retained by steel rivets having
dressed obverse heads. The scabbard of this example is straight
on the reverse and has a slight dent at the lower edge as well
as a “bb” dent in the obverse area. All of this sounds
worse than it is, however. The scabbard paint is original and
is nearly 100%, still having a good sheen in the surfaces. The
original factory leather frog is in place. The frog is black in
color and has a few scuffs on it and would easily come up with
a little bit of leather polish to near mint condition. The blade
is the long style with wide fuller. It has outstanding nickel-plated
mirror surfaces, and it is in mint condition. The blade is stamped
on the obverse ricasso in a circle, and within the circle are
the large capital letters, "L" plus "E" over
a line. Positined between the letters is a stylized fireman's
helmet, with a comb on the top, and a swastika on the center of
the side. Obviously, this trademark is very popular with collectors,
as it is the only fireman's bayonet that has a swastika on it,
built into the logo. This makes it a very desirable piece This
L & E Compay also distributed helmets, and other fire equipment.Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00
FIRE #27374 Fireman's Short Bayonet - Tiger with Munich distibutor
The hilt fittings
of this fire bayonet are about as nice as you will see. The nickel
plating is nearly 100%, showing little to no age and having nice,
bright finish. The grip plates are the black Bakelite finely checkered
type. These plates are in perfect condition, being retained by
steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard
of this example is nice and straight and has good original black
paint. The black paint has a few wearing signs in the surfaces
but, overall, this paint rates at about 95% and still has good
brightness to its finish. The blade of this example is the short
variety but it is slightly unusual in that it has a wide fuller
construction and does not have the stepped end motif. This blade
has perfect, high quality nickel plating and is in mint condition.
The blade is stamped on the obverse with a well-marked tiger.
This cat is stamped horizontally across the blade and makes his
way toward the blade spine. On the reverse is the name of the
distributor that sold this bayonet “Georg Rieder München”.
The original, newlike brown leather washer is in place. There
is no frog on this example, but it is really a choice bayonet.Near Mint. $295.00
FIRE #28837 Fireman's Long Bayonet
This Fireman’s Bayonet is in very fine condition, having been purchased directly from the son of the Veteran who brought it home. The nickel plating throughout the hilt is in 100% condition and is still nice and bright. This bayonet still has a certain “newness” about it. The grip plates are the black checkered variety and they are in perfect condition. These grip plates are retained by steel rivets being slightly larger than we normally see, but nonetheless original. They are dressed on the obverse. The cross guard is the usual up-and-down quillon style. An extremely fine hilt here! The scabbard is nice and straight. This scabbard has very fine original black paint. There are a couple of spots where the paint has chipped but overall, this paint is still 99% and in near full mint condition. It is interesting to note that the throat of this scabbard is actually built in as opposed to being in a separate piece. The lug is also the smaller size that we frequently see on NPEAs or Hörster pieces. This lug is stamped “7” underneath. The blade is a traditional long example, having wide fuller construction. It has perfect nickel plated finish and it is in pristine, mint condition. It is also interesting to note that this blade does not have a ricasso. Normally, fire bayonet blades would have a ricasso. This must have been another later done effort and I do not ever remember seeing this anomaly on a fire bayonet. Additionally, instead of a leather washer, this blade buffer is an off-white felt type. A very fine bayonet here in near full mint condition having some unusual aspects about it. If there are fire department bayonet collectors out there, I would think that this one would be something they would have to have for their collection.Mint Minus. $225.00
FIRE #31699 Firemans Long Bayonet
This Fireman's Long Bayonet has good nickel hilt plating. There is a little bit of minor age in the plating but it all still remains at 100%. The grip plates are the standard black checkered celluloid. They are held in place by two nickel plated rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has fairly good paint on the obverse, showing some spidering and a little bit of loss. The reverse has some wear around the center area of the paint. All in all, this paint rates at about 75% - 85%. There is no frog. The blade of this example is in pristine, bright condition, having wide fuller construction. This long style blade is in full mint. It is protected by an in-place brown leather buffer. A decent example here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $150.00
FIRE #30706 Firemans Long Bayonet
The nickel plating on the hilt of this Fireman's Bayonet appears to be all there at 100% and I am sure if it were cleaned up it would still be nice and bright. The grip plates are in perfect condition, being the black checkered celluloid. These plates are retained with nickel plated steel rivets. The obverse heads are dressed. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has fine original paint and on the reverse is nearly 100% with only a couple of scratches. The obverse has a little more usage and some minor spidering but it is not too bad. This paint overall grades at about 90%. The scabbard is equipped with a fine black leather frog. This frog is in near mint condition and with a little polishing, would be mint. The blade of this example is the long type with wide fuller construction. This blade appears slightly wider than we normally see on firemans bayonets. I noticed that the rivet heads are also larger than other types. This all points toward a producer that maybe did not make a lot of firemans bayonets and thus some of these “slightly different” aspects make it more interesting to those out there that collect fireman types. It is also interesting to note that the cross guard center area has been trimmed thinner than most and it was done, of course, before the plating. This choice, mint conditioned blade is protected by an in-place brown felt buffer – another different variety, as we usually see leather on these. A nice, interesting, good condition bayonet here still in an “as found” state.Excellent Plus. $195.00
FIRE #30988 Firemans Long Bayonet – L. & E. Bielefeld
L. & E. Bielefeld made bayonets are always interesting to fire department collectors because of the trademark used on the blade. We will get to that in a minute further down in the description. The hilt of this example shows a little bit of freckling in the nickel plated finish. It is all still there, however, with no lifting. I think if the plating were cleaned up some, the freckling would be much less noticeable. The grip plates are the black celluloid checker type. They are retained by nickel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard of this example show quite a bit of spidering on the obverse but the reverse is still fairly clean. Overall, this paint rates at about 90% and could come up some with a little bit of work with some wax and hand rubbing. The frog is a fine example, being a black leather. It shows a few scuffs here and there but easy to cover with a little bit of Meltonian black shoe cream. If you have never worked with this cream, you will find that it is really outstanding on leather frogs as well as leather covered scabbards and grips. It comes in a multitude of colors and you can google Meltonian and order this product. I highly recommend it. The reverse of this frog is also most interesting as it ties in with the maker of the blade. The reverse of the frog is marked “Lodenbrüggr & Ellermann/Bielefeld”. The blade of this example makes up for almost anything wrong with the outside. It is the long style, having not real wide fuller but fairly wide. The fuller is more narrow than most blades. The obverse is stamped with an open circle which contains the initials of the producer “L&E”. Placed between the two letters is a fireman’s helmet complete with comb on the top and noticeable swastika on the side. This is the only brand of fire department bayonet that has a swastika on it so obviously it is a highly collectible type. This beautiful mint condition blade has been protected by the in-place brown leather washer. This washer shows some age but it is still all there. A very hard to find bayonet and a good investment with the fireman’s helmet logo on the ricasso.Excellent. $350.00
FIRE #31700 Fireman’s Long Bayonet
This Fireman’s Bayonet has good bright nickel plating throughout the hilt. The pommel has some scratches on it but they are not too bad. The reverse pommel also has some minor usage signs. The grip plates are the black checkered celluloid and they are in perfect condition, being retained by nickel plated steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard has a ding just beneath the frog. If you are just displaying this example, though, the frog pretty much covers the ding. The rest of the scabbard has choice original black paint. This paint still retains its original factory shine and the reverse is nearly 100% and the obverse has just a couple of minor chips. This scabbard paint is about 99%. There is a good black leather frog. This frog is in outstanding condition and appears original to this piece. The long blade is equipped with a wide fuller construction. This blade is most interesting in that it has a polished surface instead of the usual nickel plated surface. The blade graining still appears throughout the blade and other than a couple of smudge marks mostly on the reverse, this blade is easily in near mint condition. The blade has been protected by an in-place brown leather washer.Excellent. $125.00
FIRE #30409 Fireman's Long Bayonet
This Fireman’s Bayonet reflects good nickel plating to the hilt. This hilt plating appears to be 100% and would clean up to a bright shine with little trouble. The grip plates are the black checkered celluloid type, they are in perfect condition and they are retained by steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The crossguards are the usual up and down variety. The scabbard is a straight example having very good original paint. The obverse has a few normal scratches in the surfaces but the reverse still remains in perfect condition. This scabbard easily grades in excellent plus, plus condition. Attached to the scabbard is a good black leather frog. This frog shows a little bit of modest age but all in all it is a fine looking item. The blade is the long variety having wide fuller construction. This blade is still nice and bright and other than in and out wear it would grade in the near mint category. The blade is unmarked and is buffered by a brown felt washer. A decent example here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $175.00
FIRE #30344 Fireman's Long Bayonet - HK
This Fireman’s Long Bayonet shows some age throughout the hilt and scabbard. The hilt has some surface rust here and there around the pommel and also on both of the up and down quillon arms. A lot of this would come off though with a little bit of effort. The plating still looks to be quite strong beneath the rust. The grip plates are the black checkered celluloid type and they are in perfect condition and are retained by steel rivets having dressed obverse heads. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has original black paint but the paint is showing a lot of crazing on the obverse and some wear and rust on the reverse. This paint only grades at about good plus and is maybe 80%. There is an original frog that is attached. The frog also shows age and some cracking here and there but it still looks serviceable and maybe with a little bit of leather conditioner could come back pretty good. The blade is a long type having wide fuller construction. This blade has excellent nickel plating and is still nice and bright. There are a few mild scratches in the surfaces but they are not bad. All in all this blade would clean to be in near mint condition. The obverse ricasso is marked with a distributor’s initials which are “HK” being inside of a circle formed by dots. The original leather washer is in place having a couple of cracks in the leather. Overall though there are some possibilities here and this bayonet is priced for someone who would like to do a little bit of work on it and is priced accordingly.Excellent Minus. $95.00
FIRE #29873 Fireman's Long Bayonet - Solingen
This Fireman’s Long Bayonet has some age freckling in the nickel-plated surfaces. These surfaces are also slightly dull. The black checkered grip plates are OK on the obverse but on the reverse there is a crack at the top edge that runs down to the rivet area. The crack also runs from the rivet on down to the crossguard. It doesn’t look like it is going anyplace and this broken grip plate has been this way a long time. These plates are retained by steel rivets having dressed heads. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell does have original paint but unfortunately quite a bit of rust has developed on both sides of it. I’m sure that it could be rubbed down some and wouldn’t look too bad. The original frog is also still in place. This black leather frog could use some leather nurturing and some polish as it does show age and some cracking. The remnants of the original fireman’s bayonet knot are attached at the loop portion of the frog but unfortunately the bottom portion of this bayonet troddel has long since broken off. The blade of this example might be its salvation. This blade is nice and bright throughout and does have quality nickel plating. This blade appears to still be in full mint condition albeit it is a little bit loose in the hilt probably caused by the cracked grip plate. This blade is marked on the reverse, “Solingen” and there is an original brown leather blade buffer protecting it. A good one here for someone who wants to work with fixing up this bayonet. It is priced accordingly.Good Plus. $95.00
FIRE #29862 Fireman's Long Bayonet
This Fireman’s Long Bayonet is a fine looking piece having excellent nickel-plated surfaces throughout the hilt. This nickel plating easily is in near full mint condition. The grip plates are the black checkered celluloid variety and they are in perfect condition. They are retained by nickel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout and has outstanding original black paint. This paint still has its original factory sheen and is 100% grading in mint condition. There is a little bit of surface rust around the throat area but this would easily clean off. The long style blade has wide fuller construction. This blade has high quality nickel-plated surfaces and is still mirror bright and in mint condition. The blade has been protected by the in place brown leather washer. A very nice example here.Mint Minus. $225.00
FIRE #28250 Fireman's Long Bayonet - Horst Wolff, Liepzig
This Fireman’s Long Bayonet is in nice condition throughout. The hilt has all of the original nickel-plating intact. All though it is not cleaned up, it looks as though it will shine to a fine finish, as there is no age or freckling in the surfaces. The crossguard has the traditional Fireman’s quillon arms. The grip plates are the checkered, Bakelite type and they are in good condition. They are retained by two nickel-plated rivets, having dressed heads on the obverse with a little bit of rust on the heads. The long style blade has the wide fuller construction. This blade has quality nickel-plated surfaces and is still bright and mint. There is just the slightest trace of some old sharpening along the edge, but it is hardly anything and really takes a lot to even notice it. The brown leather washer is in place, protecting this nice blade. The scabbard is straight throughout and has original black paint. There is some age spiders, more on the obverse than reverse. This blade rates at about 95%. A good Fireman’s bayonet here and in nice collectible condition.Near Mint. $195.00
FIRE #23921 Fireman's Long Dress Bayonet
This Fireman's Bayonet
looks almost as though it just came out of the factory showroom.
The hilt fittings are as crisp as the day they were cast and the
nickel plating is totally mirror bright and in perfect condition.
It is quite rare to see a bayonet in this state. The grip plates
are the black checkered variety and they are in perfect condition.
They are retained by two solid nickel rivets which have dressed
heads on the obverse. The long style blade is the type with wide
fuller construction. It reflects outstanding mirror bright quality
nickel-plated finish. It could not be nicer and is in full mint
condition. The blade has been protected all these years by a new
like tan leather washer which is still in place. The scabbard
is as nice as the rest of the piece. It reflects original black
paint which shows almost no age. There are a couple of tiny spiders
in the surfaces, but these are the only signs that this is an
old paint job. Beautiful scabbard here in full mint condition.
Unfortunately, there is no frog. You could not find a nicer Fireman's
Bayonet, however.Mint. $225.00