Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Anton Wingen, Jr.

(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 ANTON WINGEN, JR., SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic knight 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. 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 black leather strap stitched into a loop for belt suspension, retaining a functional metal snap button to hold the knife in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include tarnishing and running marks to the blade with the inscription nearly rendered illegible, the blunting of the tip with a small chip visible, flecking of the handle insignia, minor loss of nickel plating to the hilt, sporadic loss of scabbard point, and some material fatigue of the leather hanger. It remains in a very fine condition.