Labour Service Slaughter Knife, Known As The Rad-haumesser, 1934 Model - Germany - 1934

Labour Service slaughter knife, known as the RAD-Haumesser, 1934 model
Germany
1934–1936
Steel, nickel silver, horn, leather
Total length: 37 cm; Blade length: 24 cm

Single-edged blade ending in a diagonal cut, with fuller grooves, marked on one side with the manufacturer’s label: ‘BÖKER SOLINGEN’; ‘RAD’ in a triangle above the ‘GES-GESCH’ hallmark on the heel.
The other side is engraved with the motto “Arbeit adellt” (Work ennobles), in Gothic script.
Nickel silver mountings, riveted ash wood scales.
Handle forming a stylised eagle’s head.
Straight guard with a volute-shaped quillon.
Black enamelled steel scabbard, nickel-plated steel ferrule, chiselled with a runic interlacing pattern; pommel engraved with the RAD emblem.
Large snap hook and belt loop.

This field knife was intended for officers from the rank of Feldmeister upwards.
Following the introduction of the 1937 model, intended for senior officers, the use of the 1934 model was extended and restricted to the ranks of Truppenführer and Unterfeldmeister.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON