WW2 British Fire Axe

The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) was first formed in 1938 in Great Britain as part of the Civil Defence Service. Its role was to supplement the work of brigades at local level. In this job it was hampered severely by the incompatibility of equipment used by these different brigades — most importantly the lack of a standard size of hydrant valve! Despite its size and weight, this large utility axe was considered an item of portable equipment, contained within its protective leather case which could be attached to a waist belt via loops on the reverse. This example bears the stamping of the Auxilliary Fire Service and the number 20099. An excellent example showing only mild wear commensurate with age and use.