Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, Late-War Example, by Ludwig Zeitler

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 13.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “L. ZEITLER, WIEN” for Ludwig Zeitler, while the reverse is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code of “M7/104” of the same manufacturer. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated non-magnetic alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel to facilitate a secure grip, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The handle is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, held together with two 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 scabbard. Riveted to the reverse is a black leather strap retaining a functional snap button. Inset into the throat of the scabbard is a functional spring catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include tarnishing and pitting throughout the blade, near-total loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and moderate loss of scabbard paint. This late-war example remains in an overall very fine condition.