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**RARE**ORIGINAL**1937 Dated Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD, "Reich Labour Service") Hewer Side Arm 2nd Type Leather & Nickel Plated Steel Belt Hanger By A&S (Adrian & Stock Solingen). Sn 23248:1 - 23248:1 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. This is an original rare to find RAD 2nd type Nazi Hewer belt hanger (see page 131 of Edged Weapons & accoutrements Of Germany 1800-1945 where both a 1st type and 2nd type RAD hanger similar to ours are illustrated). The hanger has the correct leather uniform protector tab which has some service wear, small belt loop with steel belt bar and sprung factory nickel plated clip for scabbard hanger bar attachment. The spring clip is strong and the clip has the badge of the RAD over ‘37’ most likely 1937 date and is maker marked A&S trademark which is Adrian & Stock Solingen. The price for this rare to find hanger includes UK delivery. Sn 23248:1 (in Nazi daggers box). NB the Nazi RAD Hewer with Scabbard illustrated in the images is not included but is available separately on this website stock number 23248)
£375.00 |
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