Germany, RAD. A Model 1937 Leader's Hewer, by Carl Eickhorn

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Dolch 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 with a sharpened tip and lower edge, forged with a gentle curvature. The blade features double-sided narrow fullers running approximately two-thirds of its length. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script, while the reverse rivasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s trident logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised RAD logo, with the seam covered by an intact green wool buffer pad. Hand-etched into the reverse of the crossguard are presumed owner initials “HT”. 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, loss of silver plating to the hilt which provide a pleasing and consistent toning, and a patina throughout the scabbard shaft. The hewer remains in a near extremely fine condition.