Condition: Near Mint
Maker: Carl Julius Krebs
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Product Description: This near mint RAD Hewer is an incredible, pristine example, and one of the very nicest we have ever owned. The blade has never been sharpened and does not appear ever to have even been cleaned. It’s beautiful, with a crisp motto that retains all of the original darkening. There is only a very small amount of spotting and runner marks to the blade. The reverse of the blade has perfect etchings of the “RADJ” emblem, “Ges. Gesch.” indicating a legally protected design, and the maker mark of the firm of Carl Julius Krebs in Solingen. The handle of this RAD dagger is gorgeous, with all of the original heavy plating on the metalwork, and fully intact stag grip plates showing very attractive brown and tan tones. The original scabbard is present, and is outstanding, with 99 percent of the original black enamel painted finish still intact on the scabbard body. The metal scabbard fittings are clean and virtually perfect. This near mint RAD Hewer presents an unworn appearance throughout, with only extremely slight age, being very close to factory mint state. It would be extremely difficult to find a nicer one.
Historical Description: The German National Labor Service (Reichsarbeitsdienst, or RAD) was a major Nazi Party organization before and during WWII. It provided a labor force for Nazi civil, economic and military projects. Service in this organization was compulsory; men aged 18 to 25 had to serve six months in the RAD, though those who volunteered for certain military duties were exempt. There was also a female RAD section, with compulsory service for young women during WWII. The Reichsarbeitsdienst was originally formed in 1934, from an amalgamation of previous voluntary labor organizations. Before the war, they dug ditches, cleared forests, reclaimed waste lands and built roads, including a role in building the famous German Autobahn system. In the leadup to war, they assisted with harvests and also built bunkers and field fortifications including the West Wall. During WWII the RAD was classified as an auxiliary organization to the Wehrmacht. The organization took on an increasingly military role, with RAD personnel serving on all fronts, and even in combat. The RAD had a vast array of distinctive uniforms, from finely tailored officer garments for formal wear to coveralls and work clothing. Insignia and headgear in many patterns was issued and used in the organization’s 11-year history, and special awards were instituted to recognize RAD service. In addition to the iconic spades used by RAD members, many other types of field equipment were also issued and used.
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