Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by C.D. Schaaff

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). An 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!”). A transitional example, the reverse of the blade is maker marked “C.D. SCHAAFF, SOLINGEN”, flanked by the firm’s fisherman logo, in addition to a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M7/56” for the same manufacturer. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip and are secured together with dual 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 is a black leather strap, stitching into a loop for belt suspension, with a functional snap button to hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing and running marks to the blade, in addition to some chips to bottom edge, with a large chip visible to the obverse handle grip and some wear to the scabbard. The knife remains in a very fine condition.