Early RAD Hewer by Wusthof – D903

When it comes to 3rd Reich produced edged weapons, a collector gets a lot for their money with one of these Labor Corps hewers. As these 2 ½ pound cleavers are hefty, beefy and as massive as it gets! For an actual daily labor work service tool that was intended initially to be used by it’s owner, this is a very nice example we have in this offering.

The stag grip plates couldn’t be any nicely matched than the set you see on the hilt of this RAD. They are perfectly trimmed, expertly fit, and undoubtedly from the same section of stag that they were initially cut from to form the handle of this hewer. Two untouched counter sunk screws and their corresponding spanners hold the plates tight and firm to the spine. As this is an introductory hewer, the hilt is early nickel silver in composition. The exposed ferrule, crossguard, front / back straps are smooth in appearance and touch, with a beautiful patina that has settled over their surfaces.

A fine looking scabbard in every sense of the word, accompanies this edged weapon. It’s shell remains straight, void of any hits, dings, splits, or bends. A fantastic period black enamel covers both front and back sides, and rates 99%. There is just a hint of spidering and bubbling evidence to the surfaces as an indicator to it’s age.  And equally beautifully preserved are the upper and lower nickel silver fittings to this shell. The hue and color matches exactly, as well as complements the nickel hilt to a tee. For the component which not doubt swung around all the time while being worn, this shell is as nice as they get.

Finally the blade. And it truly is a beauty! It remains full length, void of any polishing, buffing, sharpening, tipping, or cutting edge chips. A wonderful muted finish covers both sides of this blade, from hilt to tip. Further attesting to it being absolutely untouched, and exactly what collectors want to see with one of these hewers. There is a couple speck of surface age here and there shown in the photos. But I’m telling you, it’s not nearly what the magnification portrays. Additionally, an absolute killer Arbeit adelt “Labor Ennobles” motto is shown etched straight down the obverse. Each and every letter as dark as the day this blade was finished, so many years ago. On the reverse is the name and logo of the firm responsible for this excellent RAD hewer; Ed Wusthof.

This is a very desirable RAD EM/NCO hewer, with a fantastic look overall.    SOLD