Germany, RAD. An Enlisted Personnel Model 1934 Hewer, by Ernst Pack & Söhne

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Mannschaften und Unterführer). A Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) Model 1934 Hewer for Enlisted personnel, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-log, nickel-plated, bolo-style magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of the upper edge of each side. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ERNST PACK & SÖHNE, WAFFENFABRIK, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic Siegfried logo. A Reichsleitungs des Reichsarbeitsdienstes (RLAD) logo sits just above the maker’s mark. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated zink alloy hilt which features a hooked quillon and pommel. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle grip, and are fixed in position with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the Hewer is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Plated magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat. The former bears double-sided etched RAD insignia, while the latter features a double-sided ribbed trefoil design. An integral loop set into the side of the throat fixture accommodates an original hanger, constructed of magnetic steel with a blackened leather strap. The hanger is maker marked with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the Hewer in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and tarnishing to the blade, loss of nickel plating throughout the hilt, and some material fatigue of the hanger. This untouched example remains in a better than very fine condition.