WW2 Era Nazi German Reichsarbeitsdienst RAD Hewer by Krebs solingen sn 23248 Dagger

WW2 Era Nazi German Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD, "Reich Labour Service") Enlisted Man’s Hewer Dagger By Carl Jul Krebs Solingen With Etched Blade ‘Arbeit Adelt’ (Work Enobles) & Scabbard. Sn 23248

The Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD, "Reich Labour Service") was a major organisation established by Nazi Germany as an agency to help militarize the civilian workforce and indoctrinate it with Nazi ideology. It was the official state labour service, divided into separate sections for men and women. From June 1935 onwards, men aged between 18 and 25 had to serve six months before their military service. During World War II compulsory service also included young women and the RAD developed to an auxiliary formation which provided support for the Wehrmacht armed forces. Hundreds of RAD units also received training as anti-aircraft units and were deployed as RAD Flak Batteries. Several RAD units also performed combat on the eastern front as infantry. As the German defences were devastated, more and more RAD Units were committed to combat. During the final months of the war RAD men formed 6 major frontline units, which were involved with serious fighting. On the western front RAD troops were used as reinforcements to the 9th SS Engineer Abt (SS-Captain Moeller) in the fighting to retake the northern end of the Arnhem bridge from British Paratroopers under Col. Frost. Like most Nazi organisations the RAD was authorised a separate Hewer / dagger for its enlisted men as well as Officer / Leader ranks (see pages 67-71 of Atwood’s book ‘The Daggers & Edged Weapons Of Hitler’s Germany’). The enlisted man’s Hewer adopted in 1934 was initially also worn by Sgts and Officers. These daggers had heavy stag antler grips. This is an original Nazi RAD man’s Hewer. It has a just under 9 ¾” long blade with fullers and measures 14 ¾” overall. The blade is marked by the manufacturer 'Carl Jul Krebs Solingen' & the trademark. Below ‘RAD Badge and ‘Ges Gesch’ (patent / quality assurance mark). The reverse has the correct RAD motto etching ‘Arbeit Adelt’ (Work Enobles). The hilt has an Eagle’s beak pommel, cross guard and correct Stag antler scales. The metal fittings of the dagger are nickel plated. The dagger is complete with original black steel scabbard which features a geometric design throat mount and chape. The chape has the tooled RAD ‘Shovel With Swastika’ badge. One edge of the scabbard has a fixed hanging bar. The price for this Nazi RAD Man’s Hewer & Scabbard includes UK delivery. Sn 23248 (NB An original RAD Hewer belt hanger is available separately on this website stock number 23248:1)

£975.00