This is a very good example of a German Fireman’s Dress/Parade Axe, carried by fire brigade members on ceremonial occasions during the Third Reich era. These ornate axes were never intended as working tools, but as symbolic sidearms, worn on the belt with the dress uniform to represent the fireman’s role and duty.

The axe features a decorative crescent-shaped head with hooked point and two circular cut-outs, mounted on a long dark wooden haft with steel fittings and a ball pommel. Most importantly, this example is complete with its original leather frog and suspension clips. Surviving frogs are scarce, and it is unusual to find them paired with the axe, making this set far more desirable.

The axe head shows honest age, with no damage, while the handle remains solid and undamaged, with all its original black paint remaining. The frog is well preserved, with all stitching intact, and the suspension clips retain their decorative pattern.

Historical note:

By 1938, local fire brigades in Germany had been nationalised and brought under police control. Firemen wore a variety of uniforms, from working dress to full parade attire. For ceremonial duties, they could carry either a dress bayonet or a parade axe, which were privately purchased or occasionally presented as gifts.