Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very good condition example of the German Red Cross (DRK) Enlisted Man / Non-Commissioned Officer Hewer, complete with its original scabbard. Unlike most we see, this example has a rare "spear-point" blade. The usual type seen has a flat tip, as medics were supposed to only use them for defense. We do not know whether it was modified later, or whether it was made this way. It has also been sharpened for use, and shows quite a bit of wear. These were 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 be used for chopping, similar to the U.S. Hospital corps "bolo" knives of WWI.

The alloy hilt mounts retains much of the original nickel-plating, though they show flaking, wear, and overall oxidation from use. There is wear around the edge of the pommel, either from use or from wear on the uniform when it was in the scabbard. The crossguard features an oval boss on each side, with the obverse featuring a DRK eagle insignia 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. They are retained by the original screws and steel slotted bolts, have lost their plating and now show oxidation. The crossguard still has the original leather buffer washer around the blade.

The blade of this hewer is the classic saw back type, but as previously mentioned now has a spear-point tip. The main edge has been sharpened, and shows marks from use as well as cleaning and sharpening. There are areas of oxidation along the edge, as well as a few significant edge nicks, probably acquired from chopping through wood or other items. Under the rear rain guard the blade is marked GES. / GESCHÜTZT, for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected By Law), indicating that this knife was a trademarked design.

The scabbard is in good service used condition, showing crazing and flaking on much of the exterior. The original black enamel is probably 50% retained on the front, while the rear is missing almost all. The fittings are nickel plated steel, and have faired a bit better, but do show oxidation and finish loss. They are retained by "cheese head" screws, all of which are still retained.

A good service used example of a WWII DRK Hewer with a spear point blade, complete with the original scabbard. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 10 1/2"
Blade Style: "Hewer" with Sawback
Overall length: 15 5/8“
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11"

History of the German Red Cross (DRK)

The 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.