Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Arthur Schüttelhöfer

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved 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 is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse bears a maker’s mark of “A. SCHÜTTELHÖFER & CO., SOLINGEN-WALD”, flanked by a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker’s code of “M7/13” for the same manufacturer. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic metal hilt with a hook quillon and with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are 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 strap with a functional snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade with a chip to the lower edge near the tip, some flecking to the handle insignia, and wear to the scabbard paint. The knife remains in an overall better than very fine condition.