WW2 Era 1938-1940 Nazi German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz \'DRK\') Man\'s Sawback Hewer, Marked \'Ges Geschutzt\' & Scabbard With Leather Frog. ED 2381 Knives

WW2 Era 1938-1940 Nazi German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz 'DRK') Man's Sawback Hewer, Marked 'Ges Geschutzt' & Scabbard With Leather Frog. ED 2381 - ED 2381

In the early years of the Third Reich, the German Branch of the Red Cross or Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK) was the main social welfare organisation in times of hardship. In December 1939, Hitler conferred a new legal status on the Red Cross by recognising it as a national organisation with some independence from Geneva. With this new status, the German Red Cross expanded its size and remit within Germany. During WW2, the Red Cross became involved in both the home front and the International scene, tracing and monitoring prisoners of war. The DRK incorporated the omnipresent Eagle and swastika with the International Red Cross symbol in the design of their own distinctive insignia. The DRK Hewer was authorised for daily wear in February 1938. The Hewer was issued from the stores when required, no personal purchases were allowed. The Hewer was discontinued in 1940. This is an excellent original example of the DRK Man's Hewer. The white metal hilt is nickel plated & the Pommel has a flattened top. One side of the cross guard has a void oval mount. Under the oval mount the ricasso of the blade is marked 'Ges Geschutzt' (Quality Assurance / copyright mark). The reverse has the DRK insignia of an Eagle with a swastika on its breast and spread wings. At the Eagle’s feet is the International symbol of the Red Cross. The undamaged grips are made from chequered black bakelite. The 10 ½” fullered blade is fitted with original leather washer. The blade is 1 ½” wide with a saw back edge on the spine that was used for removing plaster casts and preparing splints. The tip of the blade is correctly squared off to conform to the Geneva Convention of medical staff not carrying offensive weapons. The Hewer measures 15 ¾” overall. The black steel scabbard has nickel plated chape, throat mount and frog bar. The scabbard has no dents and is fitted with original leather frog. The frog is impressed ‘H’ and what looks like an idistinct inspection mark (illustrated). All leather and stitching of the frog are intact. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2381

£675.00