Germany, HJ. A HJ Member’s Knife, by P. & A. Dünzer

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 255 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 140 mm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and sharpened lower edge. The blade presents plain with the exception of a stamped Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo on the reverse ricasso, above a maker’s code of “M7/33” for P. & A. Dünzer, Solingen-Höhscheid. It sits securely within a one-piece silvered zink alloy hilt with a hooked quillon. The seam where the blade meets the crossguard is covered with an intact black leather buffer pad. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, secured together with two magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the handle is an enameled HJ insignia, measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black-painted magnetic metal. The throat retains a functional spring catch, held together by a single side rivet, securely holding the knife in place during storage. Rivet to the reverse of the scabbard is a black leather strap, featuring a loop closing with a functional metal snap button for belt attachment. While well-preserved, it demonstrates some issues consistent with age and use, including oxidation of the blade, loss of finish to the zink alloy features, and some loss of scabbard paint. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.