Transitional HJ Knife with Motto by Hartfopf – D994

Although far from perfect, this is not all that horrible of an HJ knife, especially for someone looking for an earlier example which has the Blut und Ehre etched blade. Both grip plates are in good condition, tightly riveted to the spine, and void of any splits, cracks, breaks, or missing material. An excellent HJ diamond has been nicely set and centered in the obverse front side of this handle. As shown, all of the enamel is still nicely intact, and void of any chips. Both the pommel and quillion are dark with age, as nothing has been touched nor cleaned on this little knife. The scabbard to this youth knife shows plenty of age to both the shell and the hanger. In spite of that, the period enamel has not been touched up nor repainted. The leather to the hanger is brittle and cracked, though still very much sound to the shell. As shown, a section of the hold down cross strap is missing with ½ the snap which is gone to time. Yes is has plenty of surface age and one small cutting edge chip. That aside the obverse still projects a decent burnished Blood and Honor etch. On the reverse is the trademark for the Hartkopf & company edged weapon firm, as well as their RZM contract number and date: M7/40/38.     SOLD