Germany, DAK. An Enlisted Ranks Hewer

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Hauer für Mannschaften). A German Red Cross (DRK) Enlisted ranks hewer, measuring 41.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 27 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a flattened tip and serrated lower edge, with an additional wide fuller running the majority of the length of the lower edge of each side. The blade is plain with the exception of a “GES. GESCH.” mark on the reverse ricasso. It sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt featuring a crossguard with double-sided oval medallions, the obverse of which bears a raised German national eagle clutching a Geneva Cross and overlaid by a swastika, with the seam covered by an intact blackened leather buffer pad. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are secured in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. It completes with a flattened pommel. The hewer is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Polished metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. The latter is included and consists of a heavy stripe of black leather riveted into a loop for belt suspension. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, loss of scabbard paint, and some fatigue of the leather frog. The hewer remains in a near extremely fine condition.