{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-early-hj-knife-with-motto-by-rare-maker-ernst-mandewirth","title":"Original German WWII Early HJ Knife with Motto by Rare Maker - Ernst Mandewirth","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This very early HJ Knife is still in excellent condition, and was produced by a very rare maker that we cannot recall ever having seen in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hilt is the steel-based type with excellent nickel-plated surfaces; in fact the nickel is still intact even in the areas that are covered by the retainer loop. Normally this is a high-wear area and it is quite unusual to for it not to have been worn away, especially on a piece this old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip plates are the early, closely checkered Bakelite type. They are in perfect condition. The HJ insignia wiggles slightly to the touch, as it should, and has absolutely perfect enamel surfaces and exceptional colors of red, white, black, and gold. A fine hilt here!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard is straight throughout, and has a blued finish. This bluing does show some age and scratching to the surfaces, but there is no rust or other problems. The attached leather hanger is in good shape, with a fine belt loop and retaining strap. The functional snap button retains the original finish. Overall, this scabbard looks extremely presentable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade of this example is still bright, and has much of the original cross-grain. The HJ motto shows a little bit of wear, but is still intact, crisp and totally legible. The background darkening to the motto is about 25 to 30% intact. The blade is in such good shape that it rates at Near Mint condition with a perfect tip and sharp edge. Was this knife every actually used?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the blade is stamping with an eagle logo, that appears to be flying, who holds a globe. Next to the bird is the firms name and location: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eErnst Mandewirth\n\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eSolingen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\/\u003cb\u003e\n\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eBelow this is the patent term \u003cb\u003eGes. Geschütz\u003c\/b\u003e. Unfortunately the leather blade buffer is missing from this piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis HJ knife is by an extremely rare maker, the first that we recall handling. If you are collecting HJ knives the rarity and exceptional condition make this an incredibly desirable example.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26170142021,"sku":"ON3736","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/on3736__01.jpg?v=1603078909","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-early-hj-knife-with-motto-by-rare-maker-ernst-mandewirth","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}