Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by Lauterjung & Sohn, with 1935 Nuremberg Rally Table Flag

(HJ Fahrtenmesser mit Fahne). A pair of items retrieved from the estate of an HJ member, including:

1. A 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. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse ricasso bears the classic “PUMA” trade logo of the firm of Lauterjung & Sohn, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt featuring a hooked quillon and pommel. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the grip, and are secured in place with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 14 mm (w) x 24 mm (l). It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the back is blackened leather strap retaining a functional snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include moderate tarnishing throughout the blade, with some blunting of the tip and softening of the inscription, loss of nickel plating to the hilt, loss of scabbard paint, and significant wear to the leather hanger. This early example remains in a very fine condition.

2. A table flag, constructed of red rayon. The obverse is stitched with a finely-detailed, machine-embroidered disc bearing an illustration commemorating the 1935 Nuremberg Rally, while the reverse bearing a white rayon disc overlaid by a multi-piece black mobile swastika. Notably, the obverse is pinned with an HJ cap badge constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels. The top edge has a hollow channel reinforced with a card sock core, flanked by a drawstring which culminates at each end in a tassel. Unmarked, the flag measures 12.5 cm (w) x 18.5 cm (h). The obverse demonstrates moderate fading consistent with previous display, but the flag remains in a near extremely fine condition.