Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved 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 “BLUE UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”). The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite secured together with dual non-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 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. Unmarked, the knife demonstrates issues consistent with age and use, including running marks and tarnishing of the blade, scratching of the handle insignia, loosening of the obverse handle grip, loss of nickel finish to the hilt, and the severance of the strap bearing a snap button on the hanger. It remains in an overall very fine condition.