The Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) or Reich Labor Service was a paramilitary organization of the German Reich that existed from 1935 to 1945, playing a central role in National Socialist ideology and war preparation. The described RAD Hauer for enlisted men and junior leaders represents an important testament to this historical period and its associated military traditions.
The Reich Labor Service was established on June 26, 1935, through the “Law for the Reich Labor Service,” instituting mandatory service for all German men between 18 and 25 years of age. Originally emerging from the work camps of the Weimar Republic, the RAD developed under the leadership of Konstantin Hierl into a tightly organized formation with over 400,000 members at the height of its power.
The armament and equipment of the RAD followed specific regulations detailed in the RAD Service Regulations. The characteristic Hauer, such as this specimen by Böker Solingen, served not only as a tool but also as a symbol of organizational membership. The Böker company, founded in 1869 in Solingen, was one of the most renowned manufacturers of edged weapons and supplied various German organizations.
The typical construction of these Hauers included a robust steel blade, a heavy nickel fitting, and screwed grip scales made of stag horn. This choice of materials reflected both practical and aesthetic considerations. Stag horn was regarded as a traditional German material and gave the Hauer a rustic, “völkisch” character that harmonized with NS ideology.
The black lacquered scabbard was characteristic of RAD equipment and distinguished it from other military formations. The nickel-plated steel fittings provided practical protection against corrosion and gave the object a representative shine during parades and ceremonies.
The Reich Labor Service was organized into various hierarchical levels, with enlisted men (Mannschaften) representing the lowest level and junior leaders (Unterführer) holding lower leadership positions. This differentiation was also reflected in the equipment, although the basic Hauer type was identical for both ranks.
During World War II, RAD units were increasingly involved in military operations, particularly in the construction of fortifications such as the Atlantic Wall and later in direct combat assignments. This gave the Hauers, originally conceived as work tools, additional symbolic and practical significance.
The preservation of such objects as the described Hauer is of considerable historical importance. The stated condition “2-” with 90% preserved original lacquer and visible signs of use makes it an authentic witness to that era. The “pressure marks on the throat piece” and general “age traces” confirm the actual use of the object and significantly increase its documentary value.
