Germany, RAD. A Model 1937 Leader’s Hewer, with Hanger, by E. & F. Hörster

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Hauer für Führer mit Gehänge). A very well-preserved Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service/RAD) M37 Leader’s Hewer, measuring 39.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26.5 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. The blade features double-sided narrow fullers running the majority of its length. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script, while the reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “E. & F. HÖRSTER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the company’s classic monogram logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised RAD logo. 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 toning and scratching to the nickel. This scarce hewer remains in a near extremely fine condition. 

Accompanying the hewer is a matching hanger, constructed of a magnetic metal loop with two additional loops emanating from the lower edge. Each in turn accommodates a brown leather strap which is adjusted with a pebbled aluminum buckle, and which culminates in a functional aluminum spring clip to lock onto the hewer’s scabbard. The obverse of the loop is maker marked with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid, while the reverse of one strap bears a maker’s mark of “CARL BUSSE, MAINZ”, above a manufacture date of “1938”. It measures 24 cm in length as presented. Demonstrating only minor material fatigue to the leather, this fully maker-attributed accessory remains in an extremely fine condition.