Maker
Pack Ernst & Söhne (E. P. & S.)
Model
M1937
Inscription
Arbeit adelt (Work ennobles)
Blade
single-edged
Length
400 mm
Weight
520 g
Hanger
Two parts. Brown leather.
Condition
NEAR MINT
RAD Leader´s Dagger [M1937] with Hanger by Ernst Pack & Söhne Solingen
RAD Leader’s hewer of the 1937 pattern, complete with matching hanger. The overall length is approx. 40.0 cm. The blade bears the maker’s mark “Ernst Pack & Söhne Solingen”. The hewer is offered together with a two-piece brown leather hanger.
Grip: Aluminium grip with two white synthetic grip plates, secured on the reverse by a screw. The grip is formed as an eagle, with the beak facing toward the blade. The lower section of the grip shows convex fluting. The crossguard is flat and features a longitudinal groove. In the center is the RAD emblem. Toward both ends, the crossguard angles slightly downward.
Blade: Single-edged, slightly curved and nickel-plated blade. The spine is completely unsharpened. On the front is the deeply and darkly etched RAD motto in Gothic script: “Arbeit adelt”. The reverse bears the maker’s mark “Ernst Pack & Söhne Solingen”.
Scabbard: Straight scabbard with a pebbled background. Above and below are the typical RAD wheat-ear patterns. The throat is held by two side screws. Both suspension rings for the hanger are attached directly to the scabbard.
Hanger: Two-piece brown leather hanger in matching style. The hanger is marked D.R.G.M. and completes the RAD Leader’s hewer as a coherent full set.
Historical Context: RAD Leader’s hewer, pattern 1937
The RAD Leader’s hewer of the 1937 pattern is one of the most distinctive edged weapons of the Reich Labour Service (RAD). Unlike many other contemporary dagger types, this model has a highly individual design: eagle-shaped grip, light grip plates, a single-edged slightly curved blade, and a symbolically strong scabbard configuration make the hewer immediately recognizable.
One of the key features is the blade motto “Arbeit adelt” in Gothic script. This inscription is inseparably linked with the RAD and gives the Leader’s hewer its characteristic identity. Together with the RAD emblem on the crossguard and the typical wheat-ear patterns of the scabbard, it forms a coherent visual language clearly tied to the organization’s symbolism.
Makers such as Ernst Pack & Söhne, Solingen are among the recognized producers of these hewers. Well-preserved examples with a clearly readable motto, matching scabbard and correct leather hanger are especially sought-after by collectors. The present two-piece brown hanger with D.R.G.M. marking completes this piece as an attractive and coherent set.
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