Original Item: Only One Available: Here is something that we have not had before! This is a great miniature "letter opener" version of the extremely rare Model 1937 RAD Führer Haumesser (Officer/Leader's Hewer), complete with original plated metal scabbard. It was produced by the well-known Solingen-based firm of ALCOSO, a highly desirable maker of the full size dagger/hewer, so it makes sense that they would also make the miniature version. The full size hewers measure 15 1/4", while this scaled down version is only 10 1/16".

This lovely piece shows some wear to the hilt, which looks to be silver plated alloy that was lacquered to protect it. The pommel features the noble eagle looking to the viewer's left. The details to the eye, brow and beak are exceptional. The reverse of the head has the four decorative accents that give the viewer the feel of feathering, and there is a similar accent under the chin, just as the full size daggers have.

The "ferrule" portion of the grip has the accent grooves that are set on about a 30 degree angle running the right to left direction, and the crossguard features the two quillons that ride outward and curl at the ends. The reverse is plain, while the obverse center area depicts the RAD logo. It is a lined spade, having a superimposed, raised mobile swas (hook cross) in the center. Below, the shovel is bordered at the bottom with two wheat stalks positioned on 45 degree angles. The celluloid grip plates are a pleasing off-white color, looking almost like aged ivory. The obverse plate is in great shape, however the grip plate on the rear has a crack. Overall the original lacquer on the hilt is retained at about 50%, showing tarnishing where it has worn away.

The blade on the miniature Dagger silver plated steel, different from the brushed "matte" finish that the full size type has. It shows a lovely lightly tarnished patina, with a few areas of the plating missing, allowing the steel to oxidize. The edge is correctly blunt, with no damage to speak off. The blade is slightly curved, with a lovely curved "clip-point" (bowie) style tip, and still looks quite nice. The acid-etched RAD Motto: Arbeit adelt (Work Ennobles) is still clearly visible.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark Alcoso used from 1936-1940. It depicts the scales with the firm's initials, ACS interspersed. Above is the firm's name in an arc, ALCOSO. "Alcoso" is a trade name of Alexander Coppel & Co. KG, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelwares Factory), located in Solingen, the legendary German "City of Blades." According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the company was a major manufacturer of edged weapons and tools from the end of the 19th century up until the WWII period. Unfortunately, as NSDAP-control increased, brothers Carl Gustav and Dr. Alexander Coppel, the Jewish owners of the firm, were forced out. In 1936 the firm had been "Aryanized", and started using the name ALCOSO to hide the Jewish family name. By the end of 1936 the brothers were ejected from their Solingen offices, and by 1940 the brand trademark initials ACS were changed to AWS to reflect the change in ownership and name: Alexander Coppel Solingen to Alcoso-Werk Solingen. Carl Gustav Coppel committed suicide in Solingen in 1941, and Dr. Alexander Coppel was arrested in 1942 and sent to Theresienstadt Prison camp, where he died August 5th 1942. The factory itself was destroyed by Allied bombers in November 1944.

The scabbard is made from plated non-magnetic alloy, and is dent and bend free, looking to have a clear enamel lacquer coating over the alloy. This is retained at over 75% with areas worn away, which allowed the plating on the alloy to oxidize. The design is identical to the full size scabbard, with a pebbled central portion, while the front upper area features the line-decorated RAD curls. Below this are 45 degree angle-positioned wheat shafts, a motif that is repeated on the drag. The reverse upper and lower panels are plain, and the hanger rings are intact.

This is a truly lovely example of a rare miniature RAD leader's hewer/dagger by the well-known maker ALCOSO, which is sure to appreciate in value over the years. This is the first example that we have ever seen, and would make a worthy addition to any WWII Edged weapon collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 7/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Clip Point Hewer
Overall length: 10 1/16“
Crossguard: 1 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 7 1/4"

The basis of the RAD, Reichsarbeitsdienst, (National Labor Service), dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD (Anhalt Arbeitsdienst) and the FAD-B (Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern).  Shortly after AH’s appointment as Chancellor in Jan 1933, the NSDAP consolidated all labor organizations into the NSAD (Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst), a national labor service. It served as an agency to help mitigate the effects of unemployment on the German economy, militarize the workforce and indoctrinate it with NSDAP ideology. It was the official state labor service, divided into separate sections for men and women.

On June 26 1935 the NSAD was officially re-designated RAD. Originally personnel serving with RAD wore a variety of earlier FAD/NSAD belt buckles until February 15TH 1936 when new pattern belt buckles for Officer’s and EM/NCO’s were introduced to provided uniformity in dress.