The RAD (Reichsarbeitsdienst) or Reich Labor Service was instituted as a "make-work program" to help alleviate the depression of Germany in 1934. It was similar to the WPA and other programs initiated by Roosevelt in this country. Young men served a six month program of camp life, while taught the merits of drilling, digging, bridge and road building. RAD Officers and men initially wore the same edged weapon, a large Hewer with stag gripped plates. In 1938, RAD Officers wore a scaled-down hewer. It has silvered fittings with eaglehead pommel top. The crossguard features a shovel over wheat shafts, with a superimposed swastika. The weapon is fitted with white celluloid grip plates. The silvered scabbard has curled design decoration at the upper and wheat shafts at the lower. The center area features a pebbled panel. The matte-finished, Bowie-shape blade is etched with the RAD motto, Arbeit Adelt.
RADALL #33418C Early RAD Hewer with Bullet Hanger - Carl Eickhorn
This Early RAD Hewer is of early production, having outstanding silvered solid mounts throughout. The silvering is completely patinated, being an indication that this hewer has not been cleaned since the war. The hilt area has good crisp spines to the ferrule and the beak is nicely curved and still crisp throughout. The crossguard has the usual accent lines with an upward curl at the left side. The grip plates are genuine stag and have deeply toned throughout their surfaces. These grip plates really look great, as they are a deep brown color in the backgrounds and all of the grains and trimmed areas have turned golden. The grip plates were fit by a Master Craftsman and are in perfect condition throughout. These plates are retained by screws and spanners. The screws, they have been out once-or-twice but not in modern times. A very fine untouched hilt here! The scabbard shell is completely straight throughout. It has the original black paint surfaces. This paint is in remarkable condition, considering the fact that this hewer was produced no later than 1935. This black paint has a few signs of carrying, but overall it is still at last 98%. It has a couple of age spiders in the surfaces, but still retains its original brightness. A great shell here! The scabbard mounts are deeply patinated, the same as the hilt fittings. The lower mount, remarkably, does not have any denting. The upper mount is complete with the complicated RAD curl design. On the reverse, the mount has a piece of material that has been put over the surfaces to protect it from wear, most likely by the original owner. I felt it best to leave this on the surfaces, but it could be taken off if the next owner so chooses. I am sure that the RAD curls are in good shape beneath. The edges of this mount have the usually beading where they meet the scabbard shell. The lower mount has matching beading throughout the edge surfaces, and on both sides it features the RAD trademark, being a spade with swastika positioned between two wheat sheaves. The spade is horizontally lined and the center mobile swastika is kept plain for contrast. These fine mounts are complete with their flat-style screws. Attached to the wire bracket at the upper mount edge is the original bullet hanger. This hanger is the style with a wire upper area, which would have been used for the snapping section of a belt loop. The belt loop is not with this hanger. The obverse portion of the hanger is of black leather, while the reverse is a brown color. This leather is still supple and has been with this hanger its entire life and is original to this piece. The snap clip is marked on the reverse “ANS”, and has the RAD triangle along with the date “36”. A good conditioned bullet hanger here. The leather of this hanger is slightly concave, as apparently it has been wrapped around the hewer for many years while the dagger has been in storage. This hewer comes from a veteran source. The blade of this example is a fine matte finish type, being in the Bowie shape. It is nearly in mint condition, still having fine crisp fine spines, good narrow fuller, and excellent etched Labor Corps.motto, “Arbeit adelt”. The dark backgrounds in the etch rate at about 95%. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the RAD triangle, and beneath with the patent pending words, “Ges.Gesch.”. Beneath this is the early trademark used from 1933 through 1935. It consists of double ovals that contain the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn, Solingen”. Inside is a squirrel holding a nut in his paws with a serrated tail. Beneath the animal is the firm’s initials, “CE”. A very fine hewer here that has never been in a collection and is completely untouched. An outstanding opportunity to obtain a superb piece.Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,795.00
- RADALL #33234 Early RAD Hewer - Carl Jul Krebs
This Early RAD Hewer is of 1935/36 production, having very heavy nickel mounts throughout with good silvered surfaces. The hilt of this example is still in excellent condition, having good sharp edges to the ferrule area and a fine shaped downward pointing beak at the pommel top. The crossguard still has all of the blackening in the dual lines, and it has a fine upward curl to the left quillon end. The grip plates are of genuine stag and they are both beauties. These grip plates have very attractive dark background tones, being lighter at the tops of the grained areas. The edges throughout have turned a fine golden color. The screw and spanner hardware is all in place and does not appear to have been out since the war. A nice hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has outstanding black paint, but examining the paint very closely, I think it is an old repaint, albeit professionally done. A nice job here. The scabbard mounts are in good condition throughout, nicely matching the silver tones of the hilt. These mounts feature the beaded edges where they meet the scabbard shell. At the top there is the RAD curl motif, which appears to have all of the darkening still in the recesses. The same is true of the lower fitting which features on both sides the RAD spade positioned over two wheat sheaves. The spade has a mobile plain style swastika in the center that contrasts with the lined surfaces of the spade. The scabbard mounts are retained by the original RAD screws. The blade of this example is an outstanding matte finish. It is in the Bowie shape and has a narrow fuller on each side. The surfaces are in nearly perfect condition, and this blade rates at nearly full mint. The motto is etched on the obverse and has almost 100% of the original darkening. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the RAD triangle above the patent pending words “Ges.Gesch.”. Below is the double ovals of this producer, which traps the firm’s name and location, “Carl Jul Krebs, Solingen”. Inside is a crown over the letter “K”. A very fine collectable example here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,395.00
RADALL #32909 RAD EM Hewer – Carl Jul Krebs
This RAD EM Hewer is in really exceptional condition. It looks like it may have been worn a couple of times, but honestly, it is really a cracker. The hilt is the steel base type but it has absolutely pristine nickel plated surfaces. These surfaces are really great and still are bright. The edges around the spine and cross guard area are very, very crisp. The quillon still has most of the original black in the backgrounds on the obverse with jus a little more wear on the reverse. It is great to see a hilt in this condition. The grip plates, except for the obvious age toning to the surfaces, look in brand new condition. These beautiful plates display on the obverse a very fine deep brown color with great raised graining. The reverse does not have as high of a grain and it is also a slightly lighter color brown. The edges on both sides have turned to a fine antique gold color. The grip screws appear to have perhaps been out once, but only once. They are both set at an 8:00 – 2:00 angle. A fine hilt here. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard shell has its original black paint which, other than the most modest of usage signs, is near 100%. This paint also still retains its original factory brightness. The nickel plated steel mounts are as good as they come. There are no dents or dings or for that matter, any usage signs to these mounts. The upper features the complicated RAD loop designs and all of the blackening is still in place. The lower mounts have the shovel depiction with mobile plain swastika in the center contrasting with the lines of the shovel. This shovel is positioned between two wheat shafts. Both mounts have the stamped circular beading that runs on the rim where the mounts touch the scabbard shell. These mounts are retained by their original RAD screws which appear unbuggered. The blade of this example has the standard bowie shape. It is done in the matte finish and is still in pristine, mint condition. This blade has nice, crisp edges with a good, deep fuller on each side. The obverse has an outstanding etched motto which features 100% of the factory blackening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso features an RAD triangle positioned over the patent-pending words “ges. gesch.” Beneath is a single oval trademark. Within the line is the firm’s name and location “Carl Julius Krebs Solingen”. In the center is a crown positioned over the letter “k”. A very fine RAD dagger and very rare to find one in this choice condition.Mint Minus. $1,895.00
RADALL #32850C Monogrammed Early RAD EM Hewer – Carl Jul Krebs
This early RAD EM Hewer is definitely of initial production. It is in extremely heavy piece, having solid nickel mounts throughout. The hilt is a real beauty. This hilt has turned coal black with patination and is very appealing to those who like this look. The beak still has all of its fine curvature and the spines are still nice and crisp. The cross guard and curved quillon are still crisp throughout, with all of the original darkening in the backgrounds. It is interesting to note that the original wearer had his monogram engraved on the back spine of this hilt. Professionally done in beautiful gothic lettering is the monogram “G.B.” The engraver that did this work some 80 years ago was a real master of his art and if you like these monograms, I am sure that this one will fill a special spot. The grip plates add to the appeal of this dagger. They have that great antique look from years of good storage. These plates are beautiful on both sides, having fine dark brown and lighter brown color mixes with good, high grains. The edges have long ago turned a golden color. These grip plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware and the screws do not look to have ever been turned. These screws are positioned at the 8:00 and 2:00 points. The scabbard shell is totally straight on the reverse and has a couple of very small “bb” type hits on the obverse but they are minuscule and not really noticeable. The original paint is still bright and covers the obverse at about 95% and the reverse at slightly less where it is worn a little bit on the edges from the original carrier’s hand. The reverse, though, certainly grades at 85%. The scabbard mounts are the early silver plated nickel type. They, too, have patinaed very dark and look just great with the hilt of this hewer. The obverse mount has the stamped complicated RAD curls. These curls are still crisp and have line designs in their center areas. The lower mount is stamped with the RAD spade on both sides. The spade contains a plain style mobile swastika in the center that looks good contrasting against the lined surfaces of the shovel depiction. This implement is positioned between two wheat shafts. There are beaded designs that run around the edges of both mounts where they meet the scabbard shell. All screws are in place and are unturned. The blade of this example is just as we would hope. It is the matte finish type and is still in choice, near full mint condition. This blade has nice, crisp edges and good fuller. The RAD motto is nice and crisp to the etch and has nearly 100% of the original factory darkening. A very nice blade here! The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle and below are the patent pending words “ges. gesch.” Below this is the double oval logo of this company. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location “Carl Jul Krebs Solingen”. In the center is a crown over the capital letter “K”. An extremely desirable RAD hewer here.Untouched. Near Mint. $1,995.00
RADALL #32780 Early RAD Hewer - Ed. Wüsthof
This early example is produced of heavy solid nickel mounts. The hilt has excellent silver plating throughout and it does have a look of massiveness throughout. The beak pommel area is still in good excellent condition, as is the ferrule spine area. The crossguard has the deep grooves put in as decoration, and the original blackening is still in the recesses. The side plate and front plate have some hammering damage where, apparently, the hewer was used to, perhaps, hang up RAD posters. The “tap-tap” damage looks to be period. The grip plates are beauties, having dark brown and tan color tones with nice grains, and the edges have turned golden color. These grip plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware, the screws appearing to have been turned a few times. The scabbard shell is nice and straight throughout. This shell is the earlier type, having a blue finish as opposed to a painted finish. The blue is still all there and really looks good. The scabbard mounts are the solid nickel type. The lower mount has some minor denting here-and-there, and there are a few dings at the right edge down below the screw. The upper mount is still in fine condition. The upper mount has the stamped RAD curl designs on both sides, and the lower mount has the two wheat sheafs with spade positioned in the middle with swastika on both sides. Both of these mounts have beaded surfaces where they meet the scabbard shell. The original screws are in place, and although they are not buggered up, they do feel as though they have been turned a few times. The blade is a pretty nice example, being a matte finished variety. The spine is still nice and crisp, and the tip is still nice and pointed. The RAD Labor Corp. motto etch is still crisp, having about 90% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. This blade grades at about excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the RAD triangle and the patent pending words beneath, “Ges.Gesch.” The logo consists of a set of double ovals which contain the firm’s name and location, “Ed. Wüsthof, Solingen”. Inside is a 3-pronged trident. A good early example here that shows usage of the period, but no real abuse. The dents and dings that have come along the way are fairly natural for an etched weapon of this weight and heft. A fine realistic example here, definitely showing wear from the period.Excellent. $1,195.00
RADALL #32510 RAD EM Hewer - Carl Jul Krebs
This early example has solid nickel hilt with good silver plating. The silvering is worn just the slightest on the ferrule area but, otherwise, appears to still be 100% throughout the hilt. The beak is in excellent condition, and the ferrule spine area is still nice and crisp. The crossguard has the decorative dual lines cut into the surfaces and most of the original darkening is still in the backgrounds. The grip plates are a fine stag showing some original surface wear, but not much. These grip plates have an excellent brown and tan color surface, and there are good grains. The edges have turned a golden tone. The grip plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware. The screws do not look to have been out of this piece in modern times. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The painted surfaces appear to be original, probably touched up a little bit during the period. This type of touching up can be nicely toned down with a little compound and, usually, the surfaces really come up great. This is the choice of the next owner, as I’m sure the touch up is period, and perhaps the next owner will want to keep it that way. The scabbard shell is equipped with nickled mounts. These mounts are in good condition throughout to include the lower example. The upper mount is deeply stamped with the RAD curl designs, and the lower mount is stamped with the wheat sheafs having a spade in the center with a mobile swastika. The mounts are both beaded on the edges where they meet the scabbard shell. The original screws are in place and have some turning, but no burring. The matte finish blade of this example is in the traditional Bowie style. This blade is in nice condition throughout, having an excellent RAD motto which has 100% of the darkening in the backgrounds. This blade grades at near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle, having the patent pending words “Ges.Gesch.” The trademark consists of a single oval which on the inside has the firm’s name and location printed, “Carl Julius Krebs, Solingen”. In the center area is a crown positioned over the letter “K”. A good early unaltered RAD hewer here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,395.00
RADALL #32572 RAD EM Hewer - Carl Eickhorn
This Carl Eickhorn example is a Mid-Period made piece. The hilt area is in nice condition, having 100% of the plating being intact. This nickel plating looks really good. The beak and ferrule area still have a good crispness about them. The grip plates are a fine genuine stag, having nice appealing dark browns and tans with beautiful grains. The edges of these grip plates are a golden color. The plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware. The screws do not appear to have been turned. The scabbard shell is nice and straight. This shell has very good original black paint. There are some normal scratches here and there, and just a slight rub on the reverse of the paint, but otherwise this paints rates at probably about 95%. It is difficult to find an RAD with paint this good. The nickel plated scabbard mounts are in good condition, the lower example having no dents or problems. These mounts show some minor age here and there, and there is some slight usage signs on the obverse upper mount where it rubbed against the old hanger. The lower mount has a few very small rust lifts on the reverse. Otherwise, these mounts are good being deeply stamped with the RAD curls at the top, and at the bottom is stamped on both sides with the two wheat sheafs having the shovel with swastika in the center. The edges of both mounts have stamped beading. The original screws are in place with the lower right example looking turned, and the others being unturned. The matte finish blade is a fine example, showing only nominal usage. The surfaces are still very good here, and the RAD motto is perfectly etched with 100% of the background darkening being intact. This blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle, and below are the patent pending words, “Ges.Gesch.” Below this is the Eickhorn trademark used from 1935 through 1941. It consists of an etched squirrel holding a downward pointing sword. Above the squirrel is the word “original”, and below is the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn, Solingen”. A good collectable example here.Excellent Plus. $1,395.00
RADALL #32142C RAD EM Hewer – Axt Und Hauerfabrik
This RAD Hewer is a fine example produced by a maker we do not see too often. The hilt is the very heavy solid nickel base. It has full plating still intact and is most impressive. Even the original darkening is still 100% within the decorative lines of the cross guard and curved quillon. The beak at the top pommel is nice and crisp throughout. The ferrule area has very crisp spine lines and shows little usage. The reverse of the ferrule is unit-marked “Fü492”. This matching number is stamped into the scabbard throat. The grip plates of this example are a very fine stag. They show little to no wear. They have very enticing colors of light tans and browns mixed in with the raised grains. The edges of the plates are starting to turn gold but are still in the process. A beautiful set of grips here. These grips are retained by two screws and spanners on the reverse. The upper screw has a little bit of burring where someone tried to take it out. The lower screw has no burring and is still newlike which would lead me to conclude that the person that took the upper screw out gave up before he messed up the lower one. The scabbard shell is nice and straight. It has outstanding original black paint. This black paint has a little bit of spidering but it is still at 100% and really looks great. It is quite rare to see an RAD hewer with this amount of original paint. The scabbard mounts are the nickel plated type. They also are in choice newlike condition with no dents to the lower chape example. The upper scabbard mount has very crisp RAD curl stampings with horizontal lines running throughout. These stampings still have the original darkening in the background. The lower mount has the RAD shovel with swastika in the center and the two wheat shafts below on 45° angles. This mount also has all of the darkening on both sides. Both of these mounts have beading around the edges where they meet the scabbard shell. The original screws are in place and are unbuggered. The blade of this example is the usual matte finish. It is in excellent condition, showing some signs of age but no real spots. In fact, the blade with its bowie style tip is in easily excellent plus plus condition. The motto is nicely etched and has almost all of the darkening in the first word “Arbeit” and on the second word “adelt” there is a little wear to the background darkening. This has obviously been caused by the runners. The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle as well as the patent pending words “Ges. Gesch.” The rarely seen trademark features a set of double circles and enclosed in the circles is the name of the company “Axt Und Hauerfabrik”. Inside is the head of a horse. The trademark is a little light on the etch and a small portion of it is missing around the 6:00 to 8:00 area but there certainly is plenty there to surely tell the name of this producer. This is a nice RAD here in very collectible condition.Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,495.00
RADALL #32126 RAD Hewer – Axt Und Hauerfabrik
This RAD Hewer is in an untouched state and has quite a bit of patination throughout the hilt and scabbard mounts. The hilt is the very heavy solid nickel style with silver plated finish. There are a few spots with minor freckling to the plating around the ferrule and the back strap but they are extremely minor. They are barely noticeable with the patination throughout this piece. The cross guard has a little bit of “tap-tap” on the back end of it where apparently the original RAD carrier put a few posters up or something of that nature. The cross guard and curled quillon still have all of the factory darkening in the accent grooves. The silvering throughout this hilt is all there. The grip plates are a fine sight, having dark browns and tans throughout the graining. The upper portion of the obverse grip is slightly darker than the lower portion, making for a nice antique look. These plates are retained by screws and spanners, both of which have not been turned in many years, if ever. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has fairly good original black paint but does have the usual chips and age here and there. The paint still has pretty good luster to it though, so it doesn’t look too bad. All in all, this paint is about 60% - 70%. The scabbard mounts are the early solid nickel type. They are in good condition throughout and the lower mount has no real hits to the surfaces. The upper mount has the RAD curls on both sides and they are deep and still have the original darkening in the backgrounds. The lower mount has the shovel with swastika in the center. The shovel is lined to accent the swastika, which is plain. Below the shovel is a set of wheat shafts on a 45º angle. This design appears on both sides. The original RAD screws are all in place and are unbuggered. The blade is the usual matte finish. It is in good condition, being mostly bright and showing minor signs of usage and age. There are no bad spots though, or pits, or any other problems. The motto of the RAD is deeply etched and very crisp. It appears to have about 90% of the original darkening in the background. This blade grades at about excellent to excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle and beneath is the patent pending abbreviation “ges. gesch.” Below this is the double circles which house the manufactures name and location “Axt Und Hauerfabrik Soliger”. Inside is the head of a horse. This trademark is rarely seen and is desirable among collectors. A pretty good RAD here which would clean up quite a bit.Excellent Plus. $1,395.00
- RADALL #32425 RAD EM Hewer – Ed Wüsthof
This RAD Hewer is of excellent quality throughout. The hilt is produced of heavy solid nickel material. The silver plating is still quite good throughout the hilt. The cross guard and curved quillon still have the original darkening in the background. This hilt shows normal usage but no abuse. The grip plates are a fine genuine stag. They are a very pleasing color, featuring tan and brown grains. The edges and the areas where the plates were fit to the ferrule have turned a fine golden color. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard shell has original black paint. The paint is still quite good, showing wear mostly to both edges. The inside areas though are still quite good, with no bad chips or wear. The paint overall rates at about 90%. The scabbard mounts are the early solid nickel type. They also have a nice matching patina. The lower fitting is in good condition with no hits to the bottom areas. The upper mount has the RAD stamped curl designs. They are still nice and crisp and also appear on the reverse side. At the lower mount is the RAD spade which is lined horizontally and features a plain swastika in the center which stands out against the lined background. The spade is positioned over two wheat shafts which are on a 45º angle on both sides. Both scabbard mounts are beaded with designs that follow the edges that meet the scabbard shell. All four screws are in place and are unbuggered. The blade of this example is quite nice. It has the bowie style end and the finish is still mostly bright. There is the tiniest bit of sharpening that is visible on the reverse but there is none on the obverse. Overall, this blade easily grades at excellent plus. The Labor Corps etch is very crisp and has outstanding background darkening. This darkening appears to be at about 98%. The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle which is positioned over the patent pending abbreviation “Ges. Gesch.” Beneath this is the trademark which consists of double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location “Ed.Wüsthof Solingen”. In the center is a three-pronged trident. This is a good RAD which would really clean up quite nice if someone wanted to take the effort. These early pieces have lots of weight to them and as my grandmother used to say, there is a lot of meat for the money!Excellent Plus. $1,395.00
RADALL #31309 RAD EM Hewer - Carl Eickhorn
This RAD hewer has the look of an artifact that has not been cleaned in seventy years and that is probably the case here! This piece is of early production and it has the very heavy solid base mounts with choice silvered finish. The silvering has long since patinated and has a coal black surface throughout. The only lightening of the surface we see anywhere is on the high points of the beak, the quillon and a little bit of the spine ferrule area. Otherwise this example is completely black throughout. The grip plates have kind of joined the look also in that they have toned very dark and have a great antique look. Usually these stag plates will turn golden color but in this case it is beyond golden, much more brown. The plates show a little bit of wear on the surfaces which one would expect considering the age of this piece. All in all though, if you like old stuff and the look of what only age can do you should really love this hilt. I certainly do and wish I wasn’t’ even selling it but how many RAD hewers can you keep! These grip plates are retained by spanner and screw devices. The screws do not look like they have ever been turned. This is really a virgin piece here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. Its heavy steel base has a coat of black paint which looks like it was probably touched up a little during the period. This black paint is kind of rusty and spidery especially on the obverse and on the reverse it is a little bit better but still has a pretty rough look. I still like it though nevertheless. The two fittings are coal black, exactly matching the hilt. The upper mount has the complicated RAD swirl designs on both sides. They are in great shape and show little to no wear, just a lot of black! They are bordered by beads which go around both sides of the edges. The same beads are on the upper edge of the lower fitting. This fitting has a little slope ding right beneath the shovel. We though we would get it out but son of a gun we couldn’t get the fitting off without causing more damage so it is better to take the low road on these kinds of things. This mount has some dings and definite carrying history fairly prominent on its lower surfaces but, if you take it all into consideration with the rest of this great piece I don’t see where there is a detraction. The shovels on both sides have deep crisp stampings and they are horizontally lined with plain style mobile swastikas. The shovel stands on a pair of wheat shafts positioned upward at 45 degrees. There were no screws in this lower fitting so we made a couple out of some old rivets. They look pretty good and unless I told you you probably wouldn’t even notice it. Better to have something like this than large gaping holes. The blade of this example is the typical big heavy bowie style. It is in a matte finish and shows some normal age in the surfaces but nothing really bad and actually if you look at the outside you would think it would be worn out. This blade though still grades at about excellent plus and would probably clean up even more if somebody wanted to bother with it. The spine is crisp, the fuller is nicely done and the etched motto is still crisp and probably has about 95% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse has matching etching and it features the RAD triangle positioned over the patent pending words, “Ges. Gesch.”. Beneath this is the trademark used from 1933 through 1935. It is the double small style ovals which trap the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Inside is a squirrel with serrated tail positioned over the initials of the firm, “CE”. A really good man’s man’s hewer here and if you are fussy about a little age or a little dust and dirt best to go into the diplomatic section as there is nothing delicate about this piece.Excellent. $1495.00
RADALL #31138C RAD EM Hewer - Carl Jul. Krebs
This Krebs hewer is in nice condition throughout. It is slightly of a transitional type in that the hewer itself has the very solid heavy base metal with silver plated mounts whereas the scabbard is the type made a little later which has the nickel-plated mounts. Either way you’d probably never notice it anyway if I didn’t tell you this but we do see them quite often mixed like this. The hilt area has very choice nickel fittings which show little carrying time. In fact these fittings are still crisp especially around the ferrule area, the beak area and also the crossguard with its curled quillon at the end. The silvering has nicely patinated and adds a good look to this finish. The stag grip plates are almost smooth in that they were either smoothed out before they were installed on this piece or it has more wear to it than I would think. Either way the grip plates are very beautiful having a good dark brown in the backgrounds with a lighter tan across the surfaces. The edges have turned a nice attractive golden color. These plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware and the screws may have been out once or twice. The scabbard shell is a beauty being totally straight throughout. This shell has outstanding original black paint. There are a few spiders and a little bit in the line of chipping but not very much. This paint is about 98% and still retains its original luster. A very nice shell here. The scabbard mounts are also in choice condition. These mounts have perfect surfaces and outstanding plating. They still also have all of the dark backgrounds to enhance the images. The upper mount has the complicated RAD swirl designs and the lower mount has the shovels with wheat shafts and swastika on both sides. Both mounts have the beaded pattern that decorates the edges that touch the shell. The original screws are in place and appear unturned except for one at the lower mount right side. If you want us to make a screw please let us know and we will do this for you but it will cost you an extra twenty bucks because this piece is on consignment. The blade of this example shows some in and out usage and also some minor age in the surfaces. It still is mostly bright having some extremely light pits just noticeable if you really look close. Overall though the blade rates at maybe about excellent minus. The motto is lightly etched and there is very little of the original darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse of the blade has the RAD triangle positioned over the patent pending words, “Ges. Gesch.”. Beneath is the small double circles with the firm’s name and location trapped in between, “Carl Jul Krebs Solingen”. In the center is a crown over the letter, “K”. A nice hewer here with a better outside than inside but what the heck, these blades were supposedly meant to be used and you can’t blame these guys for slinging at a branch or a bush now and again.Excellent Plus. $1595.00
RADALL #30816 Early Numbered RAD Hewer - Carl Jul. Krebs
This ultra early piece is produced of the heaviest base metal having a silver plated surface throughout. The silvering has not been cleaned since the war and has patinated very nicely. The beak of the pommel is still nice and crisp and the ferrule areas with the backstrap also show crispness. The crossguard has a curved quillon at the bottom and the original factory darkening still appears to be in the dual grooves. The reverse of the ferrule is stamped with the marking “Bn 185”. This same stamping appears on the throat of the scabbard. This would be indicative of the battalion number to which this hewer was assigned. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This early shell has an anodized finish. Later examples were painted. The anodizing appears to be thinning a little around the handhold position but I would say it remains in about 60-70%. This shell is fitted with matching silvered nickel mounts. These mounts are very heavily patinated. The upper mount has the RAD S curls which are nicely lined. The edge of the mount is beaded where it meets the scabbard shell. The same is true of the edge of the lower mount. Both sides of this mount are engraved with a lined spade having a mobile swastika in the center. The swastika is plain nicely contrasting with the lines in the spade depiction. This spade is placed between two wheat shafts. The lower mount shows a little bit of usage but no drop dents or problems. These mounts are retained by flathead style RAD screws which are all in place. The bowie style blade has the usual matte finish. The blade is still quite crisp along the edges and is etched with the Labor Corps. slogan “Arbeit adelt”. There is a small amount of the original darkening still in place on the letter backgrounds. This blade grades at about excellent to excellent plus. It shows only modest age. The reverse is matching etched with the RAD triangle which is above the patent pending words, “Ges. Gesch.”. Below this is a double oval which has the firm’s name and location contained within, “Carl Jul Krebs Solingen”. Inside is a crown positioned over the letter “K”. A very nice early example here which is extremely heavy indicative of its quality.Excellent Plus. $1495.00 (091410)
RADALL #30483 Early Numbered RAD Hewer - Carl Eickhorn
This early example is produced of heavy solid nickel base metal with silver plated surfaces. The hilt is in excellent condition having good crispness to the pommel beak. The ferrule also is smooth throughout and has crisp edges. The crossguard has the quillon with upper curving teardrop. Most of the original darkening is still contained within the twin grooves. The obverse ferrule has two small holes that seem to have been purposeful so that something may have been retained in these but whatever it was it is now gone to time. The reverse ferrule is deeply stamped with the accountability marking, “Br. 212”. There is a matching stamping on the scabbard throat. The grip plates of this example are a very fine stag. The stag has dark brown and tan backing with lighter tones at the grained surfaces. The grip plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware which appear to have been out maybe once. The scabbard shell is straight on the reverse having a small bb style ding on the obverse at about the center. The scabbard shell retains its original black paint. This paint shows quite a bit of usage and chips here and there. The paint remains at about 60-70% throughout. The matching scabbard mounts retain their silvering. The lower mount has good surfaces and does not appear to have been ever dropped. The upper mount has the complicated RADS curves stamped into the surfaces with lined centers. The lines show just a little bit of modest wear. There is a bead pattern that runs along the edge that meets the scabbard. The lower mount has an identical bead pattern. This mount is stamped with a lined shovel having a mobile swastika in the center. The shovel is placed between two wheat shafts. These scabbard mounts are retained by RAD screws. These screws are all there and are not buggered. The blade of this piece is the typical matte finish type. It shows a little bit of age in the surfaces and has turned slightly gray. The etched Labor Corps. slogan is still crisp and has maybe about 30% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. This blade only grades at about excellent. The reverse ricasso is etched with the RAD triangle and beneath is the patent pending words “Ges. Gesch.”. Below this is the early 1933-35 Eickhorn trademark. This trademark traps the firm’s name and location in its ovals. The logo though is beginning to wear and only slightly more than half of it is visible but it is certainly enough to tell the maker name as well as the vintage of the logo. A good early example here which could be cleaned up with a slight amount of work as this piece is all there.Excellent. $1395.00
RADALL #30449 RAD EM Hewer – Carl Eickhorn
This RA EM hewer is of mid-period construction. It features nickel-plated hilt fittings. These hilt fittings are still extremely crisp and other than just a tiny bit of bubbling along the left side strap, the plating is perfect. The beak is sharp and the quillon arm still has all of the darkening in the lined backgrounds. The grip plates have been cut and installed by a master. These genuine stag plates are quite beautiful, having golden edges. The center areas of both plates match nicely, having good raised grains and tan and black backgrounds. The grip plates show little to no usage. These plates are retained by screw and spanner hardware. The lower screw looks like it has been turned a couple of times where as the upper screw appears still virgin. The steel shell is straight throughout and other than some hand wear to the edges, this paint is nearly all there. The obverse and reverse do have all of the paint, showing only the most modest of age but the factory luster is still there. A nice shell here! The scabbard mounts are also beauties, both being in perfect condition. The upper mount has the complicated RAD curls which have horizontal lines running throughout the center of each of them. The lower mount features the stamped shovel with mobile swastika resting between two wheat shafts. There is a pearl design which decorates the edges of both mounts where they meet the shell. The original blackening is still intact in the depths of the recesses. The reverse upper mount has a little bit of green mold which will easily come off if desired. This mold is the residue left where the mount rested against the leather bullet hanger. The mounts are retained by the original flat scabbard screws which all look unturned. The blade of this example is nice and crisp, showing only the most modest of age in the surfaces. It really grades in near mint condition, however. The Labor Korps model is deeply etched and has about 95% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the RAD triangle positioned over the patent-pending words “ges.gesch.” Beneath this is the Eickhorn logo used from 1935-41 consisting of a seated squirrel holding a downward pointing sword. This is a very fine example here and would be difficult to upgrade.Near Mint. $1,595.00
RADALL #30093 RAD Hewer - Carl Eickhorn
This RAD hewer is of mid-period construction. It has not been cleaned since the war but it is easy to see that the original plating is still all there and is bright beneath the thin patination. The hilt section retains its sharp edges throughout and the decorative grooves to the crossguard quillon still seem to have the blackening in the backgrounds. The grip plates of this example are a more tan color stag. They are still crisp throughout having yellowy edges. These grip plates are outstanding and are retained by the original screw and spanner hardware. The screws do not appear to have been turned. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has excellent original black paint. This paint still has the original luster and does not appear to have sustained much wearing time as it is unusual to see one of these hewers with such good original paint. This paint is about 99%. The scabbard shell is equipped with matching nickel-plated mounts. These mounts at the upper feature the complicated rope-like RAD designs and at the lower there is a spade positioned between two wheat shafts having a mobile swastika in its center. Both mounts are equipped with pearl designs which run along the edges where they meet the shell. These scabbard mounts are retained by the original RAD screws which are all there and are unbuggered. The blade of this example is a fine matte finish variety. There are some tiny traces of some long ago sharpening in the edges but you have to look hard to see it. The rest of the blade really looks good having crisp spine and fine crisp etch. This etch has all of the darkening in the letter backgrounds except on the “l” and “t” at the end of the word “Adelt”. This blade still grades in a near mint state. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the RAD triangle, the patent pending words, “Ges. Gesch.” and the 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel logo. This squirrel retains a downward pointing sword and has the firm’s name and location beneath the animal, “Eickhorn Solingen”. It is difficult to fine a good conditioned RAD however this one should fill the bill.Near Mint. $1595.00
RADALL #28797C RAD EM Hewer - Ed Wüsthof
This RAD Hewer is a real beauty and is in almost new condition. It is probably a mid-period example, as the hilt fittings are nickel plated, but you would never know it looking at them. They are as fresh as the day the plating was done, and the plating is easily 100%. The ferrule area has very crisp spine, and the crossguard is also beautifully done with good with good swirl to the quillon. The grip plates are a very fine original stag. This stag has outstanding grains in the surfaces, with varying shades of tan and brown with golden edges. This beautiful stag grip is retained by nickel plated screws, with matching spanner hardware. The screws do not appear to have been turned, and they are both positioned at the 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock level. An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard shell is also a real beauty. The shell has original black paint that is still factory bright and really looks great, with only one or two age cracks in the surfaces. This paint is in mint condition. The shell is fitted with matching nickel plated scabbard mounts. The upper mount has beautiful RAD curl designs, still having all the blackening within the background. The lower mount has the RAD shovel which has a lined surface, and in the center is a mobile swastika having plain surface. Two wheat sheafs flank the handle of the shovel. These designs appear on both sides of the scabbard mounts. In addition, both upper and lower mount have a pearl border where the mounts meet the scabbard shell. The lower mount has two flathead aluminum-style screws which retain it. The upper mount has only one screw on the left side and never had provision for the other screw. (I have seen this before on RAD hewers). The throat of this example is a nickel type and it is stamped “Fü.50 7”. Since this throat is of all nickel, it probably was reused from an earlier piece because the original holes can be seen in the sides of the throat. Seasoned collectors out there will also vouch for this technique being used with RAD hewers. As I have said above, I’ve seen toldhis method used several times in the past. The blade of this example is absolutely pristine. It is in the Bowie shape, and still has extremely crisp back spine. The RAD slogan, “Arbeit adelt”, is a perfect etch and has all of the original darkening. The reverse of this mint blade has the RAD triangle, and below it the patent words “Ges.Gesch.”. Below this is the logo of the double ovals. They enclose the firm’s name and address, “Ed Wüsthof, Solingen”. Inside is a 3-pronged trident. An extremely fine RAD, being in about the best condition you will see.Mint. $1,695.00(#091410)