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

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 cm in 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 an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”). The reverse bears a maker’s mark of “ANTON WINGEN, JR., SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic knight logo. It sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and intact black leather buffer pad. 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 is an intact black leather hanger, stitched into a loop for belt suspension, retaining a functional metal snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, flecking of the handle insignia, minor loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and loss of scabbard paint with consequent surface oxidation. It remains in a better than very fine condition.