Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Carl Eickhorn

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 26 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 reverse bears transitional maker’s marks consisting of the logo of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, above a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M7/66” for the same manufacturer. It sits securely within a nickel-plated non-magnetic metal alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. The handle grip consists of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, with the obverse inset with an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (l). It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a black leather strap, stitched into a loop for belt suspension, with a functional metal snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and surface tarnishing to the blade, loss of nickel plating to the hilt, uneven placement of the handle grips, loss of paint to the scabbard shaft, and moderate material fatigue to the leather hanger. The knife remains in a very fine condition.