Red Cross Hewer with Frog

Product Description:  A fine example of a German Red Cross Hewer with Frog, presented in overall excellent condition and exhibiting the expected wear consistent with age and service. The steel blade displays light surface wear, minor scratching, with nice cross graining as shown. The Bakelite grip plates remain fully intact, free from cracks and chips. The metal grip fittings retain an appealing luster, showing only a light patina, and the handle is notably tight, with no sign of looseness.

The scabbard presents equally well, showing light wear to its original glossy black enamel finish, with areas of paint loss and age-related wear. The metal fittings remain undamaged, retaining both screws at the throat. The accompanying leather frog is original and complete, with stitching intact and a smooth surface throughout, showing only localized color loss. Frog is nicely marked on back Carl Busse Maine 1941.

All components display a harmonious and consistent patina, reflecting careful preservation. Overall, this German Red Cross Hewer with Frog rates as excellent + and is a highly collectible example of its type.

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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