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

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An 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 slightly blunted tip and sharpened lower edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an 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. It sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic metal 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 obverse of 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 reverse of the shaft is a black leather strap with a functional snap button for uniform suspension. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and tarnishing to the blad, grinding and wear to the bakelite handle grips, chipping of the handle insignia, loss of nickel finish to the hilt, and loss of scabbard paint with consequent surface oxidation. The knife remains in a very fine condition.