Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Lauterjung & Co.

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 25 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 14 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”). The reverse ricasso is stamped with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, flanking a maker’s code of “M7/27” for Lauterjung & Co., Solingen, and situated above a manufacture date of “1938”. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are secured in place with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle grip is an enameled HJ insignia. The knife is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a black leather strap with a functional metal snap button to fasten the dagger in place, set through a loop for belt suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing to the blade, loss of finish to the nickel-plated features, a chip to the enamel of the handle insignia, and some loss of scabbard paint with minor surface oxidation. The knife remains in an overall better than very fine condition.