Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Carl Wüsthof

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A very well-preserved HJ member’s knife measuring 255 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The knife features a 138 mm-long brushed magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edge. The obverse of the blade features an acid-etched inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse features a maker’s mark of “CARL WÜSTHOF, GLADIATORWERK, SOLINGEN””. The seam of the blade and upper crossguard is covered by a brown leather washer. The upper crossguard itself is constructed of nickel-plated magnetic metal and features a hooked quillon. It forms a one-piece handle completing in a hooked pommel, while the grip consists of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite held together by two magnetic metal rivets. The obverse of the handle is inset with a HJ insignia consisting of a red and white enameled diamond with a central black mobile swastika, measuring 14 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). The knife is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black-painted magnetic metal. The throat of the scabbard is held together by a single rivet and retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the knife in place during storage. Two magnetic metal rivets fasten in place a black leather belt hanger, itself closing with a functional magnetic metal snap button. The blade inscription has been largely ground out, with running marks evident to the blade itself, in addition to some oxidation of the metal, loss of paint to the scabbard, and material fatigue to the belt hanger. The knife is in an overall near very fine condition.