Germany, RAD. A Leader’s Hewer, by Ernst Pack & Söhne

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Führer). An extremely well-preserved Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service/RAD) Leader’s Hewer, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 27 cm-long, nickel-plated, bolo-style, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. A narrow fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. 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, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic Siegfried logo. Situated above the maker’s mark is an additional Reichsleitung des Reichsarbeitsdienstes (RLAD) logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt with the obverse crossguard bearing a raised RAD logo, and which culminates in a pommel in the form of a double-sided eagle’s head. Two pieces of off-white celluloid compose the handle grip, and are held in place with a single magnetic metal rivet. Accompanying the hewer is its original scabbard, constructed of a nickel-plated magnetic metal shaft. A pebbled centre is flanked on the obverse by wheat stalks, and at the upper third with ribbed and knotted latticework. Two integral loops emanating from the side of the shaft accommodate a hanger. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the hewer in place during storage. Demonstrating only minor running marks to the blade and sporadic wear to the nickel of the plated features, this high-quality example remains in an extremely fine condition.