Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Carl Wüsthof

An HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 13.5 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!”), while the reverse is maker marked “CARL WÜSTHOF, SOLINGEN”, with the firm’s “GLADIATORWERK” trade name. It sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are secured in place with dual 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 back of the shaft is a black leather hanger, stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include tarnishing to the blade with some chipping of the lower edge near the tip, minor loss of nickel plating to the hilt, loss of scabbard paint with consequent surface oxidation, and fatigue of the hanger which has compromised the functionality of its snap button. The knife remains in a very fine condition.