Germany, DRK. A German Red Cross Enlisted Personnel Hewer

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Hauer für Unterführer). An extremely well-preserved German Red Cross (DRK) Enlisted personnel hewer, measuring 415 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 265 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a blunted tip, serrated lower edge, and with fullers running the length of each side of the blade. The blade sits securely within a one-piece silver-plated alloy hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The obverse of the crossguard features an oval medallion bearing a raised DRK-style German national eagle, while the analogous reverse medallion is plain. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of black bakelite, pebbled on the obverse secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Polished magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with the latter retaining a functional spring catch to firmly hold the hewer in place during storage. Emanating from the side of the shaft is a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of an optional frog. Demonstrating only slight loss of finish to the silvered elements, the hewer is in an overall extremely fine condition.