*German, WW2, Fuerwer/Firemans K98 Long Parade Dress Dagger & Scabbard, Distributed By Linnenbrugger and Ellerman of Bielefeld*
Blade measures approx: 24.9cm, 37cm overall
Marked: L+E with fireman’s helmet with swastika
This is a superb example of a German Firemans’ Dress Dagger and is particularly unusual featuring the distributors mark of Linnenbrugger & Ellermann, Bielefeld, a highly sought-after distributor of fire service equipment. It has the typical “S” shape cross-guard used on the Fireman issue dagger, checkered black bakelite grip plates, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is a leather washer at the tang and a black painted scabbard.
This was a dress version of the K98 bayonet combat style, and was worn by enlisted and NCO personnel for dress and parade occasions. This also included civic organizations such as Police and Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Protection Police) units. It was likely to have been a private purchase and that may account for the lack of manufactures name. Specialist distributors such as L+E retailed generic unmarked sidearms sourcing them from various makers.
The Ricasso bears the emblem of Linnenbrugger & Ellermann, Bielefeld, While most distributors’ marks typically consisted solely of the name and possibly a location, L+E’s logo resembled that of a manufacturer, notably their logo also included a swastika. L+E specialized in distributing Fire/Feuerwer-related items and seemingly did not deal in military bayonets, making their mark relatively rare. Their logo with its fire helmet reflects this business focus.
*Condition*
This rare dress dagger is in good condition. There is some wear to the pommel. The scabbard fits snugly and has some rusting. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMIEXBAO_2526159372
