Germany, Third Reich. A Rare German Youth in Slovakia Labour Leader’s Presentation Hewer, by WKC

(Deutsche Jugend in der Slowakei Dolch für Führer). An interesting and well-preserved German Youth in Slovakia Labour Leader’s presentation hewer, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which culminates in a clipped point which retains original sharpness through the lower edge. A narrow fuller runs the majority of the length of each side of the upper edge of the blade. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ARBEIT ADELT” (“LABOUR ENNOBLES”) in Fraktur script. 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 magnetic metal hilt which features a ribbed and hooked quillon. Two pieces of off-white celluloid compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with metal rivets. Notably, the obverse of the handle is fastened with an enameled German Youth in Slovakia insignia, measuring 15 mm (w) x 20 mm (h). The hilt completes with a hooked pommel. Accompanying the hewer is its original scabbard, constructed of a nickel-plated magnetic metal shaft with a pebbled mid-section. The tip bears etched wheat stalks, while the upper third bears ribbed and knotted imagery. Two loops emanate from the upper side of the shaft for the accommodation of a hanger, while the throat retains a functional catch to firmly hold the hewer in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, moderate loss of nickel plating to the hilt with loosening of the insignia, and significant loss of nickel plating to the scabbard. This rare and unusual example, likely presented to a high-ranking official within the German Youth in Slovakia by a German labour official, remains in a very fine condition.