{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-drk-red-cross-em-nco-hewer-with-scabbard-deutsches-rotes-kreuz-5","title":"Original German WWII DRK Red Cross EM\/NCO Hewer with Scabbard - Deutsches Rotes Kreuz","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition example of the German Red Cross (DRK) Enlisted Man \/ Non-Commissioned Officer Hewer, complete with its original scabbard. The hewer has a blunt tip and edge, as it was intended for combat medics, who would make more use of the Sawback blade, which could be used to cut wood for splints. The heavy blade could however be used for chopping if sharpened, similar to the U.S. Hospital corps \"bolo\" knives of WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe alloy hilt mountings are in great shape, still retaining most of the original nickel plating. There is some light overall oxidation, and just a few spots of bubbling, making this a really great example. The crossguard features an oval boss on each side, with the obverse featuring an eagle with half-opened wings and a raised out mobile Swas (hook cross) on his breast. The bird clutches a \"Geneva cross\" in his talons. The grip plates are bakelite, with the top plate being checkered and the bottom plate being smooth. Both are in great shape, and are retained by the original nickel plated steel screws and slotted bolts. The crossguard still has the original leather buffer washer around the blade, which is in great shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade of this hewer is the classic saw back type, and is in very good condition, showing scattered light staining and fingerprint marks on both sides. The factory final polish grind crossgrain is still present throughout the blade. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The edge is not sharpened, and there are no signs of actual use on the blade. It also has not been majorly cleaned, so the crossgrain is still strong. Under the cross guard the blade is marked \u003cstrong\u003eGES. \/ GESCHÜTZT\u003c\/strong\u003e, for \u003cem\u003eGesetzlich Geschützt\u003c\/em\u003e (Protected By Law), indicating that this knife was a trademarked design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard is in very good condition, still straight with no dents we can feel. The black enamel finish is still retained at over 95%, with only the frog button showing significant paint loss. There is some light wear with a few chips, as well as a fantastic pattern of crazing and checking in the paint, only possible after decades. The nickel plated steel fittings are still present, showing light wear and just a bit of oxidation. All four \"cheese head\" screws are present and in good shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice example of a WWII DRK Hewer, complete with the original scabbard. Ready to add to your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade Length: 10 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: \"Hewer\" with Sawback\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 15 5\/8“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 3”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 11\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistory of the German Red Cross (DRK)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe DRK, \"Deutsches Rotes Kreuz\" (German Red Cross), a voluntary civil assistance organization originally instituted in 1864, was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention in 1929. In December 1937 it gained status as a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany, it came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior's Social Welfare Organization.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42616902975557,"sku":"ONSV25DCG021","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25DCG021__01.jpg?v=1743613615","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-drk-red-cross-em-nco-hewer-with-scabbard-deutsches-rotes-kreuz-5","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}