Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Robert Klaas

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 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 bears a maker’s mark of “ROBERT KLAAS, SOLINGEN”, topped by the firm’s classic dual crane logo. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel to facilitate a secure grip, and with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, secured together with two non-magnetic metal rives. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse is a blackened leather strap, featuring a functional magnetic metal snap button, stitched into a loop for belt suspension. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, scratching of the hilt’s nickel plating, loss of scabbard paint, and some fatigue of the leather hanger. It remains in an overall very fine condition.