Germany, DRK. An Enlisted Personnel Hewer

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Hauer für Mannschaften). An extremely well-preserved German Red Cross (DRL) Enlisted personnel hewer, measuring 415 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 270 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a blunted tip, a serrated lower edge, and with a fuller running the length of each side of the blade, which is also unmarked. It sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The crossguard features double-sided oval medallions, with the obverse bearing a raised DRK-style German national eagle clutching a Geneva Cross and overlaid by a mobile swastika. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured together by dual magnetic metal rivets. It completes with a wide, flattened pommel. Accompanying the hewer is its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with dual side rivets. The latter retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the hewer in place during storage. Emanating from the shaft is downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog. The former is included, and is constructed of heavy black leather secured into a loop with four non-magnetic metal rivets for belt suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and light wear are evident, and include slight tarnish of the blade, loss of nickel plating and scabbard paint, and fatigue of the leather frog. Demonstrating no damage or other significant issues, the hewer is in an overall extremely fine condition.