Germany, DRK. An Enlisted Ranks Hewer

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Hauer für Mannschaften und Unterführer). A very well-preserved Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross/DRK) Enlisted ranks hewer, 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 blunted tip and serrated lower edge. A fuller runs the majority of the length of the lower edge of each side of the blade. It sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard which bears double-sided oval medallions, the obverse of which is overlaid by a DRK-style German national eagle, defaced by a mobile swastika and clutching a Geneva Cross. An intact blackened leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the crossguard. The hilt is constructed of a nickel-plated alloy and features pebbled black bakelite handle grip, secured in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. The hewer is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft with nickel-plated magnetic fixtures riveted to both the tip and throat. A spring catch within the latter firmly holds the hewer in place during storage. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. Unmarked, the hewer demonstrates issues consistent with age and wear, including running marks to the blade, minor oxidation of the nickel-plating, and some scratching to the scabbard with consequent loss of paint. The hewer remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.