Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Lauterjung & Sohn

(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. The obverse bears the faint remnants of an acid-etched inscription reading “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”). The reverse is maker marked with the classic “PUMA” logo of Lauterjung & Sohn, Solingen. It sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. 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). It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a blackened leather strap stitched into a loop for belt suspension, retaining a functional snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and excessive polishing to the blade, loss of the buffer pad, loss of nickel plating to the hilt, chipping and partial displacement of the handle insignia, loss of scabbard paint, and material fatigue to the leather hanger. The knife remains in an overall very fine condition.