Ornate Presentation Imperial Fire Axe w/Hangers. This ornate presentation example with unique handle was obtained in Germany. Nickel-plated double-engraved axe head shows light wear/specks of lifting to plating and some age darkening. Both sides of the axe head are engraved with an oak leaf/acorn/fire fighting equipment motif with a center panel inscribed, "Gott zur Ehr/D.Nächsten/zur Wehr" (To Honor God [is] Next to Defense/Fighting). Dark brown oak grained handle shows light wear with no cracks or chips and features a deeply carved oak leaf and acorn motif on the center shaft with checkering and inlaid ivory details on the lower shaft. Upper shaft features two suspension rings and shield shaped presentation plates on both obverse and reverse. One plate is engraved, "Ihrem Verehten Zugführer" while the other plate is engraved, "Die Freiwillige Feuerwehr Z. 22. Februar 1914" (To our Esteemed Unit Commander/the Volunteer Fire Department 22 February 1914). Lower end of handle shaft is covered with a 2" long nickel-plated end cap engraved with an oak leaf and acorn motif and secured to the handle by a nickel-plated ball. Both end cap and ball show wear/age to nickel plating. Fire axe is complete with a brown leather double strap hanger machine stitched to a wide belt loop and complete with pebbled nickel-plated Assmann-marked suspension clips. Unique Fire axe with rarely encountered carved handle/shaft. Exc/Exc++ (22930) $1,795.