Personalized RAD Hewer by Eickhorn – D1004
As with nearly all Reich’s Labor Corps early on in the production timeframe, this hewer shows signs that it was actually used in the field by it’s owner. And why not? Since you are wearing around this nearly 3 pound cleaver as part of your uniform, might as well put it to use as well. But what separates this RAD from the run of the mill ordinary example we usually see, is the beautiful owner personalization’s that it has on. Have a look.
The stag grip plates on the hilt of this labor corps hewer are in beautiful condition. They are perfectly matched, trimmed with precision, void of any damage, and super tight to the spine of the hilt. The beak of the eagle, spine, and crossguard, all have a rich dark patina over their surfaces, as this is a an early RAD with silver fittings. On the obverse of the “ferrule” section there are two interlocking initials which look like “G Z”. They are very beautifully executed, shaded, and stylistically formed by no doubt a skilled hand. On the opposite side and with the same precision and etched in 2 lines are the dates; 7. VIII. 33, and 15. XI. 34. This is a span of a 16 month period and perhaps an indication of the the timeframe that the owner of this edged weapon served in the labor corps organization. In any event, the engraved initials are not all that common to encounter on one of these edged weapons. As for the dates, this is a first for me, and real neat personalization to this hewer!
The scabbard to this Eickhorn hewer is in good condition. For such an edged weapon most likely produced in 1934 and worn for field use, it has held up pretty decent. With the exception of one ding on the obverse above the lower fitting, the rest of the shell is straight, void of any other hits, splits, or damage. The period black enamel exhibits the typical wear and age, usually associated with one of these hewers used by their owners. Both upper and lower nickel fittings are in good order, and have turned dark with an undisturbed patina that has settle over their surfaces. Four untouched screws hold the hardware firm and tight to the shell.
As mention repeatedly, these early hewers were used as implement tools by their owners, and consequently we see the evidence of that frequently. With that said, the blade to this RAD remains full length, void of any sharpening, tipping, polishing or buffing. It has a couple knocks on the thick upper edge, though nothing all that detracting. It retains a nice factory matte finish on both side which has not been polished nor cleaned. And on top of that, a killer dark burnished Arbeit adelt motto is shown etched correctly down the obverse side. Though the riccasso area has some darkening where some moisture was once trapped at the scabbard throat, you can still make out the small double oval Eickhorn squirrel trademark that this firm used from 1931-34.
Looking for a unique RAD workhorse for your collection? This one has the look, and whole lot more! SOLD