Germany, RAD. A Model 1937 Leader’s Hewer, Owner-Attributed with Hanger, by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Führer mit Gehänge). 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 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade, forged with a gentle curvature, which retains factory-original sharpening to its lower edge and Bowie-style tip, and with most of its crossgrain still visible. The blade features double-sided narrow fullers running the majority of its length along the top edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script, while the reverse ricasso is maker marked with the classic knight’s helmet logo of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised RAD logo. The reverse of the crossguard bears a hand-etched owner’s name of “H. WILHELM”. 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 the buffer pad, and loss of nickel plating throughout the scabbard. This scarce hewer remains in a better than very fine condition.