Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife by Emil Voos Waffenfabrik

(HJ-Fahrtenmesser). A very well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 255 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 140 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The obverse of the blade bears an acid-etched inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, a date of “1938”, and a maker code of “M7/2” for Emil Voos Waffenfabrik, Solingen. The blade sits securely within the silver-plated upper crossguard, which completes with a hooked quillon. An intact blackened leather washer covers the seam. The handle grip is composed to two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, held together by dual rivets. Inset into the obverse handle is a HJ insignia in the form of a red and white enameled checkered diamond, bearing a central black mobile swastika and measuring 16 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). The knife finished with a hooked pommel, facilitating a grip with the hooked quillon. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black painted magnetic metal. An exterior rivet secured in place an internal spring catch, securely holding the knife in place during storage. The scabbard retains a brown leather belt hanger, secured in place with dual rivets, in turn held together by two additional rivets. Straps with a functional metal snap button lock the knife in place. While very well preserved, the knife displays some issues consistent with age and use, including running marks to the blade, loosening of the handle insignia, loss of scabbard paint, and material fatigue of the hanger. It is in overall near extremely fine condition.