Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very nice service worn example of the German Red Cross (DRK) Enlisted Man / Non-Commissioned Officer Hewer, complete with scabbard and 1941-dated leather frog. The hewer has a blunt tip, and edge, as it was 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 hilt mounts on this example definitely show age, and show patination of the nickel plated finish on both sides. The pommel in particular has had the plating flake off, and there is oxidation of the alloy base metal, which can happen with exposure to the elements. The crossguard features an oval boss on each side, with the obverse featuring an eagle with half-opened wings and a raised out mobile swas on his breast. The bird clutches a 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 galvanized steel original screws and slotted bolts, which do not show any turning. However they have lost their original plating and are now have a dark oxidized color. The crossguard also still has the original leather buffer washer around the blade.

The blade of this hewer is the classic saw back type, and is in very good condition, showing little to no sign of use. It has however suffered some damage from oxidation, and there are now areas of staining and peppering, in addition to the usual runner wear. Swirl marks can be see from when it was cleaned, probably using fine grade steel wool or something similar. However, there is still much of the original factory final grind cross grain on both sides. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. Under the cross guard the blade is marked GES. / GESCHÜTZT, for Gesetzlich Geschutzt (Protected By Law), indicating that this knife was a trademarked design.

The scabbard is in good condition, with no dents to the body that we can see, however it has suffered weathering damage. The original black enamel finish is only retained about 50%, with the rest having flaked away. The remaining finish shows checking and crazing from age, and there is now some oxidation where the finish is gone. The nickel plated steel fittings are still present, each retained by two screws that show no sign of turning. They have however become patinated and oxidized where the nickel has flaked away, giving the scabbard an overall service worn look that is impossible to duplicate.

A very nice service used example of a German WWII DRK Hewer, complete with its scabbard and 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.