Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Anton Wingen Jr.

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved 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 is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse bears a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, a maker’s code of “M7/51” for Anton Wingen Jr., Solingen, and a manufacture date of “1936”. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic metal hilt with a hook quillon and with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are 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). The knife 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 to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, tarnishing of the blade and some wear to the motto, sporadic loss of nickel finish to the hilt, loss of paint to the scabbard, and fatigue of the leather hanger. The knife remains in a very fine condition.