Red Cross Leaders Dagger

Product Description: This Red Cross Leaders Dagger is a really great example of a scarce type of dagger, in excellent condition overall. The blade on this one remains fairly bright, with a full original tip, and no dings or damage; these is some light, even graying in spots here and there, visible in the photos. The hilt is gorgeous, with the hilt fittings retaining nearly all of the original finish and detail, and only a slight age patina. The eye-catching bright orange grip is complete and undamaged, with no chips, and only a few minor darker spots from age and wear. The color of the grip contrasts nicely with the original silver finish of the crossguard and pommel. The original leather washer remains present under the crossguard. This Red Cross Leaders Dagger is complete with its original scabbard, which is straight and dent free, and retains nearly all of the original finish, with bright original luster. The screws on the scabbard throat show no signs of any tampering. The blade ricasso is unmarked, which is not at all unusual for these. This is a very attractive example of the Red Cross Leaders Dagger.

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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