Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Carl Heidelberg

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An HJ member’s knife, measuring 26 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 14.5 cm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The reverse of the blade bears a partially-legible maker’s mark of “CARL HEIDELBERG, SOLINGEN”, with an additional Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo on the reverse ricasso, flanked by a code of “M7/65” for the same maker, in turn above a manufacture date of “1941”. It sits securely within a one-piece, silver-plated, zink alloy hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The hilt features a hooked quillon and curved pommel to facilitate a secure grip. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle, and are secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (l). The knife is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the back of the shaft is a black leather hanger, closing with a functional metal snap button, which is stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include oxidation of the blade, loosening of the blade’s stem within the hilt, near-total loss of silvered finish to the plated features and extensive loss of scabbard paint. The knife remains in an overall very fine condition.