Germany, HJ. A Leader’s Dagger, with Hanger, by Carl Eickhorn

(HJ-Führerdolch). An HJ Leader’s Dagger, measuring 35 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 23.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the edges and tip, and with some of its original crossgrain still visible. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”) in Latin script, while the reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. A wide, curved, nickel-plated crossguard features a knotted rope design on both the obverse and reverse. The handle grip is composed of twisted and rolled metal wire which remains taut. It culminates in a nickel-plated pommel which bears a raised HJ insignia. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft which is fully lined in blackened leather. An original nickel-plated fixture is secured to the tip, while the original nickel-plated rings situated at the upper third of the shaft have been removed and replaced with two crudely-fitted brass replacements which retain loops for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage, with the obverse of the fixture decorated with a raised HJ insignia. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident in addition to the scabbard refurbishment, and include some running marks to the blade, a consistent patina throughout the nickel-plated fixtures, fatigue of the scabbard leather, and friction which renders insertion and extraction of the dagger difficult. This refurbished example remains in a better than very fine condition.

Accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger, consisting of a functional nickel-plated magnetic metal spring clip with two loops emanating from the lower edge. Each loop in turn accommodates a blackened leather strap, adjusted with a functional nickel-plated brass buckle. The straps culminate in functional nickel-plated brass spring clips to lock onto the scabbard’s loops. All clips are marked on the reverse with Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logos and codes of “UE10”, likely indicating manufacture by Wilhelm Deus, Solingen. The hanger measures 27 cm in total length as presented. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include loss of nickel plating resulting in oxidation to the base metal, as well as moderate fatigue to the leather elements. The hanger remains in a very fine condition.