Original Item: Only One Available: This is an excellent example of the extremely rare Model 1937 RAD Führer Haumesser (Officer/Leader's Hewer), complete with original plated steel scabbard, and a lovely plated and antiqued aluminum hilt. It was produced by the legendary Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik, probably the most desirable maker of this rare dagger/hewer.

This lovely piece still retains much of the original plating on the hilt, possibly silver over nickel, with no real areas of wear through to the base material. There is some bubbling, but no major flaking, and it looks like the finish was oxidized to give it a lovely dark gray color. 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.

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. 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, and show just a bit of light wear, with no chips, cracks, or other damage. The original plated steel securing screw is still present in the left side grip, with a bit of tarnish on the plating.

The blade is a bright example, with a subtly brushed finish, which cleaning and polishing over the years has made faint. The blade is slightly curved, with a lovely curved "clip-point" (bowie) style tip. It is quite nice, with the usual thin fuller at the top, and a very nice acid-etched RAD Motto: Arbeit adelt (Work Ennobles). This motto retains almost 100% of the factory blackening in the letters. The blade does not really show any use, with just a few specks of light staining. This is an excellent example, which has never been sharpened and would be very hard to improve upon.

The reverse ricasso is etched with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik (steelware factory) is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. As the cross guard partly obscures the marking, it was difficult to get a clear picture.

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this early marking type was specifically used on Army Daggers as well as RAD daggers. The company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers. The original leather blade buffer is in place within the deep recesses of the guard.

The steel scabbard shell is straight throughout, showing no major dents or bends. It still retains much of the original plating throughout the surface, which was probably originally partly or totally darkened with oxide. It has been cleaned over the years, which has removed some of that, but it still has a great gray tarnished look in many areas. The pebbled central portion was originally blackened and then polished to give a great effect. The front upper area features the line-decorated RAD curls. Below are 45 degree angle-positioned wheat shafts, a motif that is repeated on the drag. The reverse upper and lower panels are plain. The throat still retains the two retaining screws on the thinner sides of the scabbard, and the simple hanging clips are still intact.

This is a really great and rare hewer/dagger by the most legendary of Solingen makers, which is sure to appreciate in value over the years. These are very hard to come by, especially in such excellent condition. A worthy addition to any WWII Edged weapon collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Clip Point Hewer
Overall length: 15 1/4“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 10 3/4"

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.