Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Gebrüder Gräfrath

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A HJ member’s knife, measuring 260 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 142 mm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”) in cursive script. The reverse of the blade is stamped with a maker’s mark of “GEBR. GRÄFRATH, SOLINGEN”, and as a transitional example, also bears a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, maker code of “M7/30”, and date of “1936” on the ricasso. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon, with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. The replacement handle grip is composed of two pieces of carefully carved wood secured together with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 14 mm (w) x 24 mm (h). The knife is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. It retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the knife in place during storage. Riveted to the back of the scabbard is a leather strap for belt suspension, complete with a functional snap button. In addition to the expertly-replaced handle grips, the knife demonstrates some issues consistent with age and use, including rubbing out of the scabbard inscription, some loss of finish and paint to the nickel-plated features and scabbard, respectively, and fatigue to the leather strap. This refurbished knife is in an overall very fine condition.