Germany, HJ. A Schloß Burg (Castle Burg) 800-Year Anniversary Custom HJ Knife by E. & F. Hörster

(HJ Schloß Burg Jubiläum Fahrtenmesser). This is an extremely unique and well-preserved example of a customized HJ knife, issued to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the founding of Schloß Burg (Castle Burg), Solingen, on 17 September 1933. The Damascus blade measures 25 mm (w) x 140 mm (l) and is constructed of magnetic metal, richly detailed on both the obverse and reverse with etched patterns. The obverse is inscribed in gilt letting “800 Jahre Schloß Burg 17. Sept. 1933” (“800 Years of Castle Burg, 17 September 1933”), on top of ribbons surrounded by oak leaves and acorns, along with a depiction of Schloß Burg. The reverse of the blade is acid-etched with the HJ motto “Blut und Ehre!” (“Blood and Honour!”). The tip is sharpened, while the edges present in a comparatively blunted condition. A maker mark of “E. & F. Hörster, Solingen” is clearly visible on the obverse ricasso. A nicely intact blackened leather buffer pad is held in place between the blade and crossguard. The crossguard is constructed of silver-plated magnetic metal and features a hooked quillon. The crossguard is part of a single peace that extends through the rest of the handle and completes in a curved hilt that complements the quillon, facilitating a secure grip. The grip apparatus itself is constructed of dimpled black bakelite, and bears an inset HJ insignia composed of a red and white enameled diamond with a central mobile swastika. The handle is securely held together by two rivets visible on both the obverse and reverse. The entire knife measures 243 mm in length. The knife is accompanied by its original scabbard, measuring 253 mm in length, which is constructed of black-painted magnetic metal with a leather strap, held in place by two metal rivets, with a snap button for attachment to a belt. The throat of the scabbard is tightly held in place by a single rivet, while the interior features a functional spring catch to securely hold the dagger in place when stored or worn. There is minor loss of paint to the scabbard, as well as some tarnishing and scratching of the nickel-plated features, but the knife is in an otherwise extremely fine condition.