Original German Pre-WWII Fireman’s Triple-Etched Fire Service NCO Dove's Head Sword & Scabbard by Kronoswerke of Neheim-Ruhr
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the relatively plain Dove Head sword worn by NCO's, made by the firm of Kronoswerke G.m.b.H. of Neheim-Ruhr. This sword design is a simplified version of the Officer's dove's head sword, without the decorative designs and engraving usually seen on the hilt. While these were usually intended for the Heer Army, they were also used by members of various paramilitary organizations, in this case the Feuerschutzpolizei, (Fire Protection Police), made from the fire brigades of the pre NSDAP era.
Additionally, this fire service sword was ordered with a great "Triple Etched" blade, which we do not usually see on these, so the owner must have been relatively well off. It has the standard "P" guard used on German dress swords, with a simple cross guard and plain rain guards (chappes). The hilt on this example is made from "German Silver" cupronickel alloy, showing a lovely oxidized patina, with no areas of major oxidation or damage. We have also seen these in gilt brass, nickel plated steel, as well as solid nickel, so there looks to have been a wide variety of materials used.
The grip is a very nice sharkskin over a wood base, which is still in good shape and free of serious damage. It is wrapped with a skein of six plated copper wires, twisted into three pairs, with the center pair slightly thicker. The wrapping shows wear and oxidation, as well as what looks to be metal polish residue, but is still complete and tightly in place. The hilt is still tight on the tang, with no wobble, and still retains the original red felt blade buffer on the top of the guard. There is no finger loop, but it does not look like this sword ever had one.
The 29 7/8” blade of this example is in very good condition, nickel-plated and "Triple Etched", showing etched panels on the sides as well as etched foliate designs on the spine of the blade. The panels also show foliate designs, both with fire brigade themed stands of arms in the middle of each side. One side has two crossed fire polearms, a ladder, and a pump drawing water from a large container of water. The other side also features a ladder, as well as a fire polearm, a fire axe, a hose, and even a fire helmet. This is difficult to see due to wear. The edge of the blade is correctly unsharpened, and the plating is relatively well retained, some areas of loss and oxidation on the etched panels. The very end of the blade is missing some plating, allowing the steel to oxidize, particularly on the couple of inches closest to the tip.
The ricasso is stamped:
KRONOSWERKE G.m.b.H.
NEHEIM-ROHR
The steel scabbard has a single hanging ring, as the second fitting was for a hook on the hanger. It has the standard black enamel finish, which has worn off in some areas, and the underlying steel has oxidized, but thankfully this is only noticeable near the drag. The scabbard is still straight with very minor denting in spots.
Overall condition is very good. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 29 7/8”
Overall Length: 34 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 31 1/2”
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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