Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by J.A. Henckels

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 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. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is a partially-legible inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”). The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “J.A. HENCKELS, SOLINGEN”, situated above the firm’s “ZWILLINSWERK” trade name and flanked by its classic dual stick figure logo. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel to facilitate a secure grip. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, secured together with two non-magnetic metal rives. 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 magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse is a blackened leather strap, featuring a functional magnetic metal snap button, stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, minor scratching and loss of finish to the hilt, total loss of the scabbard’s original black paint with consequent surface oxidation, and some material fatigue to the leather hanger. The knife remains in a very fine condition.