Germany, RAD. A Subordinate’s Hewer, by Carl Julius Krebs

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Mannschaften). A Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) subordinate’s hewer, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long curved magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. A narrow fuller runs approximately two-sides of each side of the blade near the top edge. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script. A maker’s mark of “CARL JUL. KREBS, SOLINGEN” is set onto the reverse ricasso, circumscribing the firm’s logo. The mark is topped by an additional Reichsleitung des Arbeitsdienstes (RLAD) logo. It sits firmly within a one-piece nickel-silver hilt with a ribbed crossguard and curved pommel. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of polished staghorn secured together with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the hewer is its period original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Silvered fittings are secured to both the tip and throat with dual side rivets. The former bears a double-sided etched RAD inisngia, while the latter bears an intricate double-sided etched knot design. An integral loop emanates from the side of the throat fixtures for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the hewer in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include oxidation throughout the blade, there is minor oxidation of the nickel-silver features, and the scabbard shaft demonstrates significant denting and loss of paint. The hewer is in an overall very fine condition.