Ornate Imperial Fire Axe. No maker. Double-engraved, nickel- plated axe head shows light surface wear, minor lifting and some surface graying to the engraved oak leaves, acorns, fire helmet and fire axes. Dark brown wooden grip is ornately handcarved with oak leaves, acorns and checkering with inlaid ivory details. Upper handle features presentation plates on both obverse and reverse. One plate is engraved, "Ihrem Verehrten Zugführer", and the other plate is engraved, "Die Freiwillige Feuerwehr Z. 22. Februar 1914". Lower handle has a nickel-plated end cap featuring oak leaves and acorns. Fittings show light surface wear and some light lifting to nickel plating. Unique fire axe with rarely encountered, carved handle. Several photographs of this ultra- rare Fire Official Axe are scheduled to appear in Volume II of the Imperial edged weapon series. Exc./Exc+ (17647) $1,495.