Germany, HJ. A Member’s Knife, by C. Gustav Spitzer

(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 which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. The reverse ricasso is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M7/80” for C. Gustav Spitzer, Solingen, with a manufacture date of “39”. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated zink alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The handle grip consists of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured in position with dual magnetic metal rivets, with the obverse inset with an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (l). Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A blackened leather hanger is riveted to the reverse of the shaft, and features a functional magnetic metal snap button, while the throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, with additional sporadic chipping to the lower edge, some chipping to the handle grip, moderate loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and significant loss of scabbard paint. This late-period example remains in a very fine condition.