Germany, HJ. A Refurbished Member’s Knife, by Karl Kaldenbach

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A refurbished 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 is acid-etched with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M7/72” for Karl Kaldenabach, Solingen-Grafrath. It sits securely within a nickel-plated non-magnetic metal alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with a replacement black leather buffer pad covering the seam. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse 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 back is an unusual replacement hanger constructed of stiff black celluloid, featuring a loop for belt suspension and a functional snap button to hold the knife in place during storage. In addition to the previously repairs the knife demonstrates other issues consistent with age and wear, and include running marks and some tarnishing of the blade, with further chipping of the lower edge, loss of nickel plating to the hilt, evidence of alteration to the handle grip rivets, some scratching of the enameled insignia, and significant loss of scabbard paint. A repaired example in an overall fair condition.