2ad3a32e_es__World_War_II__Nazi_Germany__Description
[Grade] E [Item #] DC271 [Description] 
RAD-Reichsarbeitsdienst (National Labor Service) Subordinate's Hewer with etched "MR" Monogram by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. The beginnings of the RAD dates back to as early as 1929 with the formation of the AAD "Anhalt Arbeits Dienst" (Support Labor Service) and the FAD-B "Freiwillingen Arbeits Dienst-Bayern" (Volunteer Labor Service-Bavaria). With Hitler's appointment to Chancellor in 1933, these and several other labor organizations were consolidated to form one National Labor Service...the NSAD "NationalSozialist ArbeitsDients" (National Socialist Labor Service) which was redesignated RAD in June of 1935. By July of that same year, the RAD became compulsory, with all German citizens between the ages of 19 and 25 required to enlist for a 6 month term, and all military conscripts required to serve a 9 month term. The first RAD sidearm, "Unterf�hrer Haumesser des RAD" (Subordinate Hewer for RAD) was originally introduced in 1934 for wear by the ranks of Truppf�hrer (Corporal) and above. This changed in 1937 with the introduction of the RAD Leader's Dagger which was designed for wear by the ranks of Feldmeister (2nd Lieutenant) and above....at which time the Subordinate Hewer was worn only by Unterf�hren ranks...EM and NCOs. The well used blade on this beauty is etched with Eickhorn's small twin oval trademark under the RAD triangle and "GES. GESCH." Ges.Gesch is short for "Gesetzlich Gesch�tzt" which translates "legally protected"...as in the design is protected by law, or as some prefer..."patent pending".The blade was crudely sharpened, but it remains in "as found" condition and has never been tampered with since the war.These hewers were used by the German labor force as tools rather than weapons so it's common to see abuse on the blade and the back of the hilt which was often used like a hammer. It features silver plated fittings with a beautiful art deco "MR" monogram on the hilt, and an extremely heavy, almost black tarnish, all of which was left intact with no attempt at cleaning. The steel scabbard is straight and dent free with 75% of the original black enamel finish intact. The silver plated scabbard fittings are in excellent++ condition with no major damage, just a deep tarnished patina that makes this piece that much more beautiful and desirable.
Third Reich Depot, military collectables, World War II, Nazi Germany
Description