Germany, RAD. A Reich Labour service Subordinate’s Hewer, by Carl Eickhorn

(Haumesser für Männer der Reichsarbeitsdienst). A very well-preserved Reich Labour Service (RAD) subordinate’s hewer, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 245 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a Bowie-style curvature. The tip and lower edge of the blade are sharpened, and a narrow fuller runs the length of each side. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso features a maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. This is topped by a Reichsleitung des Reichsarbeitsdienst (RLAD) mark. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver plated upper crossguard, with a curved, protruding lower edge. The crossguard transitions into a one-piece hilt with a curved pommel working in tandem with the crossguard to facilitate a secure grip. The handle is composed of two pieces of polished staghorn, held together by dual non-magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Two polished nickel-silver plated fixtures are secured to the throat and tip with dual side rivets. The tip fixture bears a double-sided etched RAD logo, while the throat features intricate knotted designs. Emanating from the throat fixture is an integral loop for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional spring catch remains on the interior, securely holding the hewer in place during storage. Minor, age-appropriate issues are evident, and include some running marks and tarnishing to the blade, along with loss of paint to the scabbard. The hewer is in an overall better than very fine condition.