German, RAD. A Model 1937 Leader’s Hewer, by Alcoso

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Führer). A very well-preserved Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service/RAD) M37 Leader’s Hewer, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 27 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade, forged with a gentle curvature, which retaind factory-original sharpening to its lower edge and Bowie-style tip. The blade features double-sided narrow fullers running the majority of its length. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script, while the reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ALCOSO, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the company’s classic scale logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised RAD logo. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of off-white celluloid, while the hilt completes with a pommel in the form of a double-sided eagle’s head. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a nickel-plated magnetic metal shaft with a pebbled mid-section and with wheat stalks and knotted designs etched around the outer circumference. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the hewer in place during storage. Emanating from the side are two loops for the accommodation of a hanger. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, sporadic loss of nickel plating to both the hilt and scabbard (a common feature of Alcoso RAD daggers), a chip to the spine of the handle grip, and an additional crack to the reverse of the handle grip. This untouched example remains in a better than very fine condition.