Germany, DRK. A Hewer for Enlisted Ranks, Unmarked Version

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Hauer für Mannschaften und Unterführer). A very well-preserved Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross/DRK) Hewer for Enlisted ranks, 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 blunt tip and serrated upper edge, retaining a rich original cross grain. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side. Unmarked, it sits securely within a nickel-plated hilt with an intact brown leather buffer pad covering the seam. The crossguard features double-sided oval medallions, with the obverse bearing a raised DRK insignia in the form of a German national eagle clutching a Geneva Cross and overlaid by a mobile swastika. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual magnetic metal rivets, while the Hewer culminates in a wide oval pommel. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-plated magnetic fittings are secured to both the tip and throat. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft just beneath the throat for the accommodation of a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch to hold the Hewer in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, minor wear to the nickel plating of the applicable fixtures, sporadic loss of paint to the scabbard, and the loss of one of the scabbard tip’s rivets rendering the fixture loose. The Hewer remains in a very fine condition.