Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Louis Perlmann

(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 bears a maker’s mark of “LOUPER, SOLINGEN” for the former firm of Louis Perlmann, flanked by the firm’s “FLAMME” trade name. It sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel which facilitates a secure grip. The handle consists of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite secured together with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. 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 and retaining a functional snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include extensive running marks and tarnishing to the blade which has seriously compromised the tip, the loss of the buffer pad, some chipping to the handle’s enameled insignia, loss of scabbard paint resulting in surface oxidation, and moderate material fatigue to the scabbard’s leather strap. The knife remains in a fair condition.