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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.

FOD-001 - (23059) - FIRE OFFICIAL'S DRESS DIRK - WKC

This example is in the format which has the spear-like crossguard quillon ends. It is identical to the example which is shown in Johnson Volume I on page 226. The hilt fittings are composed of finest quality silver plated solid nickel metal. The pommel is similar to a naval ball style in that it is round and has reeds and cattail images throughout its surfaces. Much of this detail has been hand cut. These cattails rest over cresting waves which form the neck area of the pommel. The crossguard has a rectangular center block which features a floral like depiction on both sides. The crossguard arms come outward in square-like designs, ending in spear-like quillon tips. These tips are also lined for decoration. The ferrule has the traditional fire department dual lines decorating its surfaces. The grip is a black celluloid-over-wood material. This grip has eight sections, all of which are tightly wrapped with twin twisted brass wire. There are a couple of hairline cracks in this grip located at the top beneath the pommel, but other than that, it is in perfect condition. This is a fine looking hilt. The scabbard shell is black leather. This leather is decorated with twin lines which run the length of both edges. The leather shows a few normal signs of wear, but it is still very sound and looks good being black in color. It is sewn up the rear. The scabbard leather is fitted with matching silvered nickel mounts. These mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather shell. The top mount is decorated with two twin lines at the top, and the same at the bottom. Where these lines are separated there is a smooth eyelet applied to the right edge which also is complete with its carrying ring. The lower mount also has dual sets of decorative line engraving. These mounts are retained with staples in the usual manner. The staples do have numbers which are vaguely visible beneath them. The blade is a double etched example which is fifteen inches in length. It has a center fuller design with short ricasso. The tip remains needlelike and this blade is richly plated with nickel. The etchings on both sides are floral variety and they have panels which feature fire fighting equipment such as hooks, ladders, drums, axes, hoses, etc. The blade of this example is in full mint condition and is new-like. This is rare to see and quite pleasurable. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the WKC knighthead. This knighthead does not have the firm's initials beneath indicating its vintage is possibly the end of World War I or into the 1920s. This beautiful blade has been protected by a light blue felt buffer. The buffer shows some wear to the edges, but obviously, it has done a good job over the years. If you are looking for a good conditioned Fire Official's example to add to your collection, this one should do it. Most of these dirks are found with so-so blades - definitely not the case here. Also, since this example has a Weimar period trademark, there is a good possibility that it was worn well into the Third Reich time. A nice example!
Near Mint $1395.00

FOD-002 - 26900 - FIRE OFFICIAL’S DIRK - NO MAKER (CARL EICKHORN)

This outstanding Fire Official’s dirk is about the best you will see and still be original of the period. It is identical to the example shown in the Johnson Volume I book on Page 102. The hilt fittings consist of a bright nickel plating over a solid nickel base metal. The pommel is in the shape of a doorknob, having floral depictions which go in four quadrants about the top of the circular form. The tang comes through the very tip of the pommel and is peened over, so these pieces are non-takedown. The ferrule is a matching nickel finish having two sets of twin decorative lines. The center block on the cross guard obverse features an old-fashioned fire helmet with comb on the top sitting over two axes. The reverse of the center block only has a scribed rectangular shape making its border. The quillon arms go outward to form cloverleafs at each end. These cloverleaf designs as well as the pommel shape, are Carl Eickhorn products. This piece, although unmarked, is definitely produced by this company. The grip is a fine, ribbed wood base which is covered with a black leather. The leather remains in perfect condition throughout and it is tightly wrapped with dual twisted brass wire. The scabbard is produced of a black leather shell. This leather is still supple and has all of its original coloring. It is decorated with twin lines which run the length of both edges and it is sewn up the rear. The scabbard is fitted with matching nickel plated mounts. The upper mount is quite long, as it has dual carrying rings. Additionally, it has four sets of dual decorative lines. The matching lower mount has a single set of dual lines and it is also decorated with a single line where it meets the scabbard leather. These mounts are in perfect condition, having outstanding plating nicely matching the hilt. These mounts are retained by staples in the reverse in the usual manner. The blade of this example is truly outstanding. It is a double-edged type which has dual etches scenes. The etched scenes are those of the fire department. One site depicts hooks, ladders, hoses and a fire extinguisher, all surrounded by oak leaves and acorns. The panels end and begin in floral motif. The reverse has the same floral motif and depicts a ladder, a large axe, a hose and a fireman’s helmet, complete with comb at the top. The backgrounds of this etch are all there, at 100% frosting, and the blade remains in a nice, mint state. The tan felt buffer shows a slight amount of wear and tear, but it is still there. An extremely choice, original Fire Official’s dirk. None finer! Mint Minus. $1,495.00

FOD-004-26485 - FIRE OFFICIAL’S DIRK - W.K.C.

This Fire Official’s dirk is quite long, measuring at about 18 inches overall. Its vintage is probably the late 20s, early 30s, and most likely it was carried during the Third Reich period. It is a textbook W.K.C. type. The fittings throughout have silver plating over brass base. The pommel top is the ball shaped variety and it is peened over for a non-takedown basis. The ball has some outstanding hand chisel work depicting reeds and cattails. At the neck of the pommel, there are a series of cresting waves. This pommel is very good looking and shows little to no wear. The cross guard has a square center block. On both sides of this center block, there is a floral depiction which is rectangular shaped. The quillon arms extend outward from the center block, being larger at that area, descending to a smaller size where they end in points. These points are well done, having good hand-chiseling. Above the cross guard is a ferrule which has the standard Fire Department line decoration. The grip is a black celluloid-over-wood base. This celluloid has a fine sheen to its surfaces and it remains in perfect condition. There are eight ribs which run downward from right to left. Each rib is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard shell is a black leather variety. It is still supple, showing very little age. This leather is also line decorated, with twin lines on both sides. It is sewn up the rear center area. The shell has dual mounts. These mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather and they are retained in the usual manner with staples. There are numbers which are visible below the staples. The upper mount has dual twin line decoration and is equipped with two eyelets and two hanging rings. The lower mount has also dual line decoration. The beautiful blade is fifteen inches long. It is a double etched variety and it is easily in full mint condition. The obverse etching features a long panel with floral designs. In the center is a fire motif which features items such as hook, ladder, hose, axes and fire helmet. On the reverse, the same motif applies, except the center segment features ladders, hooks, drums, horns and a helmet. The detail throughout these etches is extraordinary and the frosted finish in the background is 100%, highlighting the beautiful relief work. A very fine blade here! The obverse ricasso, like W.K.C. pieces will usually have, is stamped with a knight head helmet without initials beneath. This particular trademark usually indicates the late 1920s or early 1930s production. The blade has been protected by an in-place, off red felt washer. An outstanding Fire Official’s here, and one of the best that I have seen. Mint Minus. $1,695.00

FOD-006-17808C – FIRE OFFICIAL’S DIRK - CARL EICKHORN

This example is a textbook Eickhorn and has outstanding outside mounts and leather. The blade has been buffed and sharpened, but the piece is priced accordingly. The pommel top is the doorknob shape used by the Eickhorn firm. It has some outstanding, hand-done floral treatment and there is even pebbling on the surfaces to add to the relief of the motif. This fine pommel has 100% nickel plating and is retained with a peened over tang, making this piece non-takedown. The cross guard is the usual Eickhorn style having a rectangular center block. The obverse center block features a fine, old fashioned fireman’s helmet positioned over two crossed axes. The backgrounds are pebbled and this is a fine depiction. The reverse center block is plain with a rectangular lined square. The quillon arms are four-sided and travel outward, declining in shape. At the quillon ends are three-leaf clovers on each. This is an Eickhorn design and can be used as a tip off to this maker. The cross guard, like the pommel, has perfect plating. The ferrule is also a beauty, having twin line design. The grip of this example has 12 ribs which travel downward from left to right. This grip is leather covered over wood base. The leather covering is still in nice condition and it is tightly wrapped with dual twisted copper wire, each wire running opposite for effect. The scabbard shell is black leather sewn up the rear. This leather has twin-line decoration on the edges of both sides. It is a fine black color and is still new-like and supple. Fitted to the scabbard shell are matching, 100% nickel plated fittings. These two fittings have twin-line decoration running throughout their length at the upper and just one set of lines on the lower. These mounts are retained by staples in the usual manner. The upper mount is fitted with twin eyelets and carrying rings. The blade of this example is 13½ inches in length. It is double edged with a single center ridge. It also has a standard ricasso with needlelike tip. Although the blade remains nice and bright, it appears as though someone long ago removed most of the original fire motif etchings. You can still see the etching if you look close, but it appears as though the purpose was to make the blade a plain example. The blade still looks very nice, however. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Eickhorn trademark used during the late 20s. It is the large size double oval which traps the company’s firm and location “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Inside is a large rabbit holding an acorn with large ears. His tail is serrated and the animal is seated. The original blade buffer has gone to time. This blade still grades at excellent plus, despite the removal of most of the etching. A fine example which shows beautifully on the outside, and is priced accordingly. Excellent Plus. $995.00