Germany, RAD. A Subordinate’s Hewer, Relic Condition

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Mannschaften). A Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) subordinate’s hewer, measuring 370 mm in total length. It features a 240 mm-long curved magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge, and with a fuller running approximately two-thirds the length of each side. 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 rivets, one of which is magnetic while the other is non-magnetic, indicating possible replacement. There is significant pitting and deterioration of the blade consistent with possible exposure to an acidic substance, in turn obscuring all marks, in addition to tarnishing of the hilt and the loss of the hewer’s scabbard. A relic example in fair condition.