Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, Early Wartime Issue, by Max Weyersberg

(HJ Fahrtenmesser). A well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 25 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 14 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains original sharpness to both the tip and lower edge. The reverse ricasso is marked with an acid-etched Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and partially-legible maker’s code beginning with “M7”, which bears the characteristics of blades marked “M7/12”, indicating manufacture by Max Weyersberg, Solingen. The RZM mark is situated above a manufacture date of “1940”. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated metal alloy hilt which features a hooked quillon and pommel, and 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 two domed 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. A black leather strap is riveted to the back of the shaft, and retains a functional snap button closure. The throat has a spring catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include tarnishing and running marks to the black (rendering the RZM mark partially illegible), sporadic wear to the nickel plating of the applicable fixtures, minor loss of scabbard paint, and moderate fatigue of the leather strap. This early wartime example remains in a better than very fine condition.