Dedicated Imperial German Fire Official’s Dirk by WKC – D1130

This offering is for a double etched as well as awarded Prussian fire official’s dirk, given to a department recipient in the year 1898. The slender ebony grip is in very nice condition throughout, void of any major detracting challenges. There is a small bit of chipping near the pommel area that truly is not all that bad to speak of. Other than that, the handle is nice and sound throughout. Compressing this handle while holding it tight and firm, both nickel components comprised of the pommel and crossguard secure this hilt completely solid throughout.

Equally as nice and complementing the attractiveness of the hilt, the slender scabbard to this dagger remains in fine condition considering the fact that it is 125 years old. The shell remains fairly straight, with the small center section displaying excellent black leather over the mid area. The leather is in good shape, nicely sewn, and void of any dry rot. Both upper and lower nickel fitting display and attractive muted surface, exactly matching the metal hilt components to a tee. As typical, there is a little movement to the hardware over the shell with both upper and lower components. Where the top still retains the fastening staple, the lower one is gone to time. That aside, the lower still stays in place when handling the scabbard.

The blade to this dirk remains full length at 13”, void of any sharpening, buffing, tipping, polishing, or cutting edge chips. There is some surface age to it as shown, though nothing has been cleaned whatsoever on this edge weapon in over a century. There is a about a 3 degree curvature to this blade when you hold it up. Probably can be straightened, though I personally wouldn’t recommend messing with it. The design is beautifully etched down the center of the obverse, showing floral plants and some fireman equipment. On the reverse panel is a dedication from the Cologne fire department, as well as the date this dirk was given to distinguished member of the their force. His first initial and last name is stamped on the obverse riccasso, where the reverse bears the early WK&C knight and king heads trademark.   $2495.00