Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Heinrich Böker & Co.

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A HJ member’s knife, measuring 245 mm in total length. It features a 140 mm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is a cursive inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse bears a maker’s mark of “HEINR. BÖKER & CO., SOLINGEN”, flanked by the firm’s tree logo. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, secured together with two non-magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 14 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some oxidation of the blade, the loss of the buffer pad with consequent exposure of the blade’s bade, oxidation of the hilt, scratching of the HJ insignia, and the loss of the knife’s scabbard. It is in an overall very fine condition.