August Bickel Makers marks

[Johnny "the kid"]

Hello all,
I thought some of you might be interested in this. Apparently there were 2 different versions of the August Bickel makers mark.
I believe that the second one pictured is the rarer and earlier version of the two. Anyway, let me know what you think.
Johnny

[Johnny "the kid"]

The other version:
Notice that in one the makers name is on the top with the location on the bottom, while on the other the makers name is on the left and the location on the right!

[Serge M.]

Wow Johnny! Looks to me that you are probably correct.
The fist example is the logo that is the common one. The second one...well I can't actually say that I recall seeing one like that.

-wagner-

[patrice]

Congrats Johnny, great detective work.
I never knew that there were 2 different maker marked example for Bickel.
I'm also pretty certain that the second type must be really rare.
That's a keeper, for sure !

[Tiger 1]

Johnny,

Very interesting!

Does the color of the motto( A f D) match the color of the tm on the second one pictured?

Just curious.

Tony

[Johnny "the kid"]

Thanks guys!
Tony- Yes the motto and makers mark on the second example are BLACK, like what we see on Malsch and Ambron, Gebr. Heller (anchor), and other makers.
The "rarer" and I suspect rarlier etch is also deeper.
Another interesting thing is that the motto on the obverse of the blade is on a different location depending on the makers mark version. Looks like a tamplate switch was made pretty early on.... interesting eh?

[Johnny "the kid"]

Patrice,
Thanks for your input, it was GREAT to finally meet you at the MAX.
I have to disagree with you however, you HAVE seen this rarer maker mark before, in fact.... this dagger used to be yours! Remember? I bought this BEAUTY from you about a year ago....
Hope you are not having "sellers remorse"!
THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Johnny

[Johnny "the kid"]

Another really cool thing about this dagger (asside from the condition) it the grip. Bickel lacquered their grips (as did a few other firms such as Melzer & Feller, etc.) but this one got some raindrops on it somewhere allong the way and was not cleaned off. The drops soaked through thte lacquer and speckeled the grip (like a glass on a wooden table with no coaster! ).
I think the results are pretty cool actually!

[Serge M.]

Now I know why I can't find these rarities anymore...they are all traded between high-end collectors!

-wagner-

[Johnny "the kid"]

"high-end collectors"?? HA!!!
I have been on this hobby for 5 years and FINALLY was able to buy my first SS dagger a year ago (after 10 months of saving).
"high-end" --- NO.
Lucky sometimes --- .... ok maybe
But I think you get lucky in this hobby a HELL of a lot more often when you have done your homework and deal with great honest fellow collectors like Patrice and Serge here (and many others)!
At this point "high-end" is but a fantasy for me!

[patrice]

Hey Johnny, you've got to be kidding me, is that really the one that I sold to you ? Damned, I knew that I should've kept it !
At least, it is in a good home.
I'm glad it went to you my friend, enjoy it and don't sell it.
If you do get rid of it, please, let me know.

Pat

[Serge M.]

Lookie here...Caught them again working on a "High-end trade"!

-wagner-

[SADagger]

Who is who in the above picture?

[Serge M.]

On Left: I can't recall. sorry!
Center: Johnny
Right: Pat

[patrice]

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa ! The person on the left is our friend Bob Clark, an active Kreigsmarine collector.

Here's another picture of Bob Clark sitting in the middle, Paul Hogle on the far left and myself in the driver's seat.
These 2 gentlemen, came to my place in Northern Canada for a few days and we really had a great time.