RADOFF - 011 - 26980 - RAD OFFICER - CARL EICKHORN

This RAD Officer is one of the rarely seen types that still has all of its silvering intact on the hilt. The bird head pommel of this example shows a little bit of usage signs, but the silvering is still all there. It has excellent detail to the noble bird’s brow, eye, beak and lower line decorations. The back of the pommel also has fine line decorations which scoop downward with four different loops. The ferrule also has perfect silvering and the original factory darkening is still in the grooves of the designs running down at about a 45E angle. The cross guard features quillon arms which run outward with swirls at the ends. In the center is the RAD symbol, being a shovel placed between two wheat shafts. The wheat shafts are well-detailed and the shovel is horizontally lined with a raised out, smooth mobile swastika. The grip plates of this example are a fine, off-white ivory color. For once, there are no cracks or problems in these plates. The plates are retained by a silvered screw in the reverse. This screw appears to have been out a couple of times, but has no problems. The scabbard of this piece is nice and straight throughout. It has good silvering and, in fact, there is quite a bit of the original frosted finish still clinging near the throat areas as well as the bottom chape areas. The obverse of the scabbard features the complicated RAD curve designs which have lined surfaces. Below this is a set of wheat shafts, being the type which do not touch. The same is true of the wheat shafts at the chape area. The area between the two wheat shafts has a fine pebble panel which still has most of its factory darkening within. This scabbard is in near mint condition throughout. The throat is retained by two flatter head side screws. The blade of this example is also just as nice as the outside. The blade has the traditional Bowie look and it still has good, sharp edges. The motto of the organization is etched on the obverse. This etching is crisp and has easily 100% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. The etch of this example is “Arbeit adelt” which means “Labor enobles”. This blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is matching dark etched with the squirrel used by the Eickhorn firm from 1935-41. A fine example here and in very collectible condition.Near Mint. $2,495.00

RADOFF - 012 - 26729 - RAD OFFICER - BY W.K.C.

This RAD Officer is a good, untouched dagger. The hilt area reflects a very dark patination over the silvering. Unfortunately, some of the silvering has come off around the bird’s head area and also a little on the left side strap. The plating remains at about 90% on the reverse pommel and only at maybe 50% on the obverse and the top reverse. There is not much that can be done about this and it is a characteristic flaw that we frequently see in RAD daggers. The eagle’s head, though, is a fine example, having still-crisp eyes, brow, beak and the feather notches at the reverse head. The ferrule has all of its plating and is also very crisp regarding the decorative lines which swirl around its surface on a 45 degree angle. The grip plates make up for a lot on this piece, as they are a fine, darker cream color and remain in totally perfect condition. The silvered retaining screw appears to have been never removed. The scabbard of this dagger is a beauty. It is completely straight throughout and easily has 100% of its original silvered surfaces. Most of the silvered areas still have frosted finish, but there is some black patination which has penetrated under the lacquer. This gives it a nice mottled look we are all familiar with. The pebbled panel below still retains all of its original black/blue factory surfaces. The curled designs at the top are absolutely perfect. The two wheat shafts at both the top and the bottom, which are formed in a “v’ design, are the style that touch. RAD Officer daggers do not have these designs on the reverse. The scabbard throat is retained by two flathead style screws which have never been removed. A choice, perfect-conditioned scabbard here. Another great feature of this dagger is the blade. This blade is still factory bright, having all of its cross graining in the surfaces. Unlike most of the producers, WKC chose to finish their blades in a bright surface rather than the matte finish. The Labor Corps. motto also is a sight to behold. It is crisp and easily has 100% of its original darkening. This great blade is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the knight head trademark. Below is the firm’s initials and location “WKC Solingen”. A choice dagger here, which would sell for much more, were it not for the flaking to the hilt. It is priced accordingly.Excellent Plus Plus. $1,795.00