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. The blade is plain with the exception of a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo on the reverse ricasso, flanked by a maker’s code of “M7/51”for Anton Wingen Jr., and a manufacture date of “41”. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon, and with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed 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). The knife is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a black leather hanger, stitched into a loop for belt suspension, with a functional snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing to the blade, chipping of the enameled handle insignia, loss of scabbard paint, and fatigue of the leather hanger. The knife remains in a very fine condition.