German 1934 RAD Officer Knives

~ German M1934 RAD Officer's Dagger By E&F Horster Solingen ~

Founded officially in M1934, the RAD (Reichsarbeitsdienst) was instituted as a "make-work program" to help alleviate the depression of Germany in 1934.

The pommel top has a eagle head looking to the left. The bird has very fine, hand-enhanced detailing throughout. The reverse of the pommel has hand-enhanced accent lines that run down the neck of the bird. The crossguard features a centre line enhancement and has curled quillon ends. The front of the guard has a detailed RAD spade insignia and the reverse is plain. The off-white grip plate has a screw on the reverse side.

The upper portion of the scabbard has RAD curls. Below the curls are a pair of wheat stalks with a pebbled panel in between. The reverse of the scabbard is plain beyond the pebbled panel. Two hanging rings sit along the right side.

The blade is designed with a fuller at the upper area of both edges. It is etched with the Labor Corps motto, “Arbeit Adelt”, translated as “Work ennobles”. The reverse ricasso of the blade is etched with the “e&f horster Solingen” makers stamp.

~ Dimensions ~

The blade has a length of 10 inches (25.4 cm), the dagger has a full length of 15 inches (38.1 cm), 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) with the scabbard attached. It weighs 428 g.

~ Condition ~

A small dent to the reverse of the scabbard, just above the pebbled panel. It has some black patination just at the top,

The blade is in good condition, aside from some minor surface scratching & what appears to be long engrained finger print marks.

~ Postage ~

UK postage is £18 or the dagger can be collected from our shop in Portsmouth Historic dockyard.