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 surface wear and some minor scratching.  Blade edge has a nick and signs of sharpening. The Bakelite grip plates remain firmly secured with a small chip to the reverse. The metal grip fittings retain an appealing patina, and the handle is notably tight, with no sign of looseness.

The scabbard presents well, showing wear and paint loss to its original black enamel finish. The metal fittings remain free from major flaws, retaining both screws at the throat and one of the two at the tip.  Some light corrosion is present throughout as shown. The accompanying leather frog is original and complete, with stitching intact and a smooth surface throughout, showing only localized color loss and light surface cracking. Frog is unmarked.

All components display a harmonious and consistent patina, reflecting careful preservation. Overall, this German Red Cross Hewer with Frog rates as excellent condition 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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