Red Cross EM Dagger

Product Description: This Red Cross EM Dagger is a beautiful example. The plated steel blade shows nice shine, and is in original condition, with excellent crossgraining and a few areas of scattered freckling throughout. The ricasso of the blade is marked “ges. geschützt” indicating a legally protected design. The original leather blade buffer pad is intact. The handle of this dagger is entirely sound, with only a light, mild patina to the metal fittings. The Bakelite grip plates- checkered on the front, smooth on the back, as is correct- show no cracks or chips, and only very slight wear. This Red Cross EM Dagger is complete with its original scabbard and leather frog. The scabbard body retains about 95 percent of the original glossy black enamel paint finish. The slight patina on the metal fittings on the scabbard is a perfect match to the handle. The leather frog is correct black smooth side out leather, marked on the reverse with the letter “B.” The rivets are aluminum. This is a choice hewer, with outstanding eye appeal. The condition is excellent.

Historical Description: The German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, DRK) was given organizational status by the Nazi Party in 1938. As with all official organizations, it fell under the auspices of the NSDAP; the DRK fell under the German Ministry of the Interior.  In 1938, a special and unique edged weapon, the “Hauer für Mannschaften” (known to collectors as the Red Cross EM Hewer) was introduced for enlisted personnel of the DRK. It was a blunt-pointed tool, with one cutting edge, and one saw edge on the blade spine. It was intended not only as a dress dagger for ceremonial and formal wear, but as a practical knife for preparing splints, casts and bandages. The purpose of the blunt tip was to avoid violating Geneva Convention prohibitions against medical staff carrying offensive weapons. Unlike most German blades intended for dress purposes, the Red Cross EM Hewer was not a private purchase item but was issued from unit stocks as needed. Officers in the DRK wore a different dagger. Manufacture of the enlisted hewer ceased in 1940.

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