Early RAD Hewer by Boker – D904
This is a decent nickel silver 3rd Reich Labor Corps hewer which was manufactured by the noted firm of Heinrich Boker. While known for making fantastic M33 SS daggers during the era, collectors don’t often see these other edged weapons produced by this famous firm. As the title implies, this is an early RAD in which the components are heavy nickel silver. As a result, these early “work horses” truly are some sought after pieces by collectors within the edged weapon community.
A beautiful grip and hilt assembly begins the description on this edged weapon. The fantastic stag grip plates have been expertly trimmed and fit to the spine of this hewer. They are securely in place, and held solid by the factory installed screws with corresponding spanners. A rich almost black patina has turned the rest of this hilt almost black, as nothing has been cleaned nor polished on this edged weapon over the years. The top of the eagle’s beak show a little wear from being used in the field as an actual tool by the member serving in this organization. That is what you are most likely always going to see with these early implements which first made their appearance in 1934.
A good scabbard accompanies this hewer. The shell remains straight, void of any dents, dings, or major hits. Though there is one challenge which has happened to this shell somewhere along the line. These scabbard were folded from a flat sheet of metal initially, which was then cut, shaped, and wielded down the a side seam. On this scabbard that weld has separated down that seam, as shown in a photo. That aside, it is still firm and strong enough that there is no flex to the shell. The separation is very tiny, and about the thickness of a piece of paper. With that mentioned, the factory black enamel has held up excellent on this shell, and rates very strong at 99%. Further attesting to the condition of this scabbard is the wonderful state of preservation of both the upper and lower nickel fittings on this sheath. Even the hanger bar remains nice and straight. As a nice addition to this RAD hewer, is the original bullet hanger that it came with. The black leather while showing age and wear still remains supple and complete. It is equip with a large Assmann marked clip and oval belt bracket.
We finish up with the blade. Though not perfect, this one is certainly decent for such an early hewer that was used as a field utility service implement. This blade remains full length, void of any buffing, polishing, re-tipping, or major sharpening. There is some surface imperfections, as you would expect to see from a cleaver actually used as a hand tool. In lieu of that is still retains a nice matte finish on both the obverse and reverse sides. And to top that off, a fantastic Arbeit adelt motto beautifully etched and burnished straight down the obverse side of this blade. On the reverse ricasso is the small double oval trademark with standing tree inside of it, the logo collectors have come to know associated with the Boker edged weapon firm.
A desirable early nickel RAD hewer, by an uncommonly encountered maker for these edged weapons. SOLD