Description
Product Description: A very nice and extremely rare Full Stag Eickhorn RAD Hewer. This rare Full Stag Eickhorn RAD Hewer features a nickel plated blade with some light spotting in areas, and typical light runner marks from being in and out of the scabbard. The nickel plating remains bright, and the blade has no damage. The blade features the RAD motto “Arbeit Adelt”, which translates to “Work Enables”. The blade is also marked with the early double oval Eickhorn maker mark. The hilt and guard are electroplated with a high quality silver electroplating, which has taken on a very pleasing patina. The stag antler grip panels extend to very tip of the beak, a trait only found on a select few early Eickhorn produced RAD EM Hewers. The grip panels are without damage or cracks. Both grip panel screws are intact, and completely untouched, as the patina build up in the recesses is completely undisturbed. The scabbard of this Full Stag Eickhorn RAD Hewer features a beautiful black anodized scabbard body with mild patina. A black anodized scabbard is another trait only seen on the earliest RAD Hewers. The scabbard body is remains free of dents or damage. The lower drag and upper throat body both received the same high quality silver electroplating as the dagger’s hilt and guard. Both pieces have the same pleasant patina matching perfectly with one another. All of the scabbard body’s screws are intact. The scabbard’s hanger loop also remains intact. An exceptional example of a rare Full Stag Eickhorn RAD Hewer. This is only the second example I have owned in over 25 years, and I will say…..it has not been easy listing this one for sale.
Historical Description: The German National Labor Service (Reichsarbeitsdienst, or RAD) was a major NSDAP organization prior to and during WWII. The RAD provided the labor force for the Third Reichs civil, economic and military projects. Service in this organization was compulsory; men aged 18 to 25 were required to serve six months in the RAD, however those who had volunteered for certain military duties were exempt. There was also a female RAD section, which during World War 2 became compulsory for women as well. The Reichsarbeitsdienst was formed in 1934, from the country’s previous voluntary labor organizations. Before the war such tasks perfumed by the RAD were, digging ditches, clearing forests, reclaiming waste lands and building roads, including a role in the building of the famous German Autobahn system. In the years leading up to war, they assisted with harvests and also built bunkers and field fortifications, to include the famous defensive line known as “The West Wall”. During WWII the RAD was classified as an auxiliary organization to the Wehrmacht. The organization took on an increasingly military role, with RAD personnel serving on all fronts, and even in combat. The RAD had a vast array of unique and distinctive uniforms, from finely tailored officer garments for formal wear to coveralls and work clothing. Insignia and headgear in many patterns was issued and used in the organization’s 11-year history. Special awards were also instituted to recognize RAD service. In addition to the iconic spades used by RAD members, many other types of field equipment were also issued and used.
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