Product Details
A SCARCE GERMAN RED CROSS (DRK) ENLISTED MAN'S HEWER,
circa 1939, with heavy square-tipped 10 1/2in. saw-backed blade, solid nickel cross-guard with the DRK emblem in an oval, solid nickel-plated hilt with flattened pommel and black bakelite chequered grips (mild discolouration to portions of blade, scuffing to hilt) TOGETHER WITH its original black-painted steel scabbard with nickel mounts and a bayonet-style leather frog (minor losses to painted finish)
Provenance: The DRK Hewer was authorized for daily wear in February 1938. It was approved for daily wear by Red Cross NCO's and subordinates ranking from Helfer to Haupthelfer. The hewer was mainly manufactured by Robert Klaas and P. D. Luneschloss. The pommel had a flattened top and the cross guard had an oval space with a raised Red Cross insignia. The insignia was an eagle with a swastika on its breast and squared, down-spread wings. At the eagle's feet was the International symbol of the Red Cross, a cross with equal extensions based upon points of the compass. The hilts are made of a white metal base with a thin nickel plating. The grips were made of black Bakelite secured with two screws. The blade was wide with a saw tooth edge on one side that was designed to be used for removing plaster casts and preparing splints. The tip of the blade was squared off to conform to the Geneva Convention of medical staff not carrying offensive weapons. The scabbard was black, enamelled painted and fitted with a nickel plated chape and locket. The hewer was carried in a leather frog and secured by a clip on the scabbard.
The hewer was issued from the stores when required, no private purchases were allowed. It was discontinued in 1940. See Lot 365 for more information on the DRK.
Estimate £400-600