Germany, HJ. A Rare Member’s Knife, by C. Gustav Spitzer

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A rare 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!”), which has lost most of its colour and depth, remaining only faintly visible. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “C. GUSTAV SPITZER, SOLINGEN”, surrounding the firm’s lion rampant logo. It sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, with the seam covered by an intact blackened leather buffer pad. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, with the obverse inset with 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 snap button to hold the knife in place. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, chipping of the handle insignia, and the loss of the scabbard’s throat catch leaving the knife loose during storage. This early example by a rare and desirable manufacturer remains in a better than very fine condition.