Germany, HJ. A HJ Member’s Knife, by Hartkopf & Co.

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An extremely well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 255 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 145 mm-long tapering magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The blade presents plain with the exception of a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo acid-etched onto the reverse ricasso, flanked by a maker’s code of “M7/40” for the firm of Hartkopf & Co., Solingen. It sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated hilt, with the seam covered by a fully-intact black leather buffer pad. The hilt features both a hooked quillon and gently curved pommel for a comfortable grip. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, and are secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a classic enameled HJ diamond insignia, measuring 14 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft, with the throat retaining a functional spring catch, securely holding the knife in place during storage, held together with a single side rivet. Affixed to the reverse of the shaft with two magnetic metal rivets is a leather strap with a functional snap button for belt suspension. The knife demonstrates only minor issues consistent with age and use, including some running marks to the blade, loss of paint to the scabbard, and wear to the scabbard’s strap which has resulted in the loss of the original blackened finish. This late-period, RZM-marked HJ knife is in an overall near extremely fine condition.