Germany, HJ. A Late-War Member’s Knife, by Arthur Schüttelhofer & Co.

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved, late-war HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 14.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Stamped onto the reverse of the blade is a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M713” for Arthur Schüttelhofer & Co., Solingen. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt with a hooked quillon, with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, with the obverse inset with an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). Dual magnetic metal rivets firmly hold the handle grip in place. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a patinated magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a black leather strap riveted into a loop for belt suspension. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing of the blade, near-total loss of nickel plating to the hilt, tarnishing of the scabbard shaft, and fatigue of the leather hanger which has rendered its snap button non-functional. This extensively-used, late-war example remains in a very fine condition.