Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, Late Transitional Example, by Richard Abraham Herder

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A late-period HJ member’s knife, measuring 25.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 14.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. The ricasso bears double-sided transitional maker’s marks, with the obverse reading “RICH. ABR. HERDER, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Richard Abraham Herder, while the reverse bears a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker’s code for the same. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated zink alloy 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 fastened in place 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). Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a blackened leather strap which is fastened into a loop for belt suspension, and which retains a functional metal snap button. A functional spring catch situated within the throat holds the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include running marks to the blade with minor chipping of the lower edge, scratching of the nickel plating throughout the hilt, near-total loss of paint to the scabbard, and some fatigue to the strap. This final-production transitional example remains in a very fine condition.