Red Cross Hewer with Frog

Product Description: This Red Cross Hewer with Frog is a choice example, with great visual appeal. The blade on this one is nice, with good cross graining along its length as well as handsome shine. The blade shows only very slight age, and is stamped on the ricasso with “Ges. Gesch.” indicating a legally protected design. This hewer features a beautiful handle. The Bakelite grip plates are completely intact, with no chips or cracks. The metal grip fittings show appealing luster and only light patina. The scabbard also shows only light wear. Nearly all of the original glossy black enamel paint finish is still present on the scabbard body, with only a few small chips. The metal fittings on the scabbard are undamaged. The leather frog has aluminum rivets, and is maker marked and dated 1938, with intact original stitching and a nice smooth original surface throughout. The condition of all the parts of this attractive set match nicely. Overall, this Red Cross Hewer with Frog rates as excellent plus.

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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