Original German WWII 1937 dated Transitional HJ Knife with Motto by Emil Voos with Scabbard - RZM M7/2

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely condition pre-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with the RZM code of desirable maker Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik of Solingen. This is definitely a transitional period knife, based on the 1936 date as well as the motto. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a non-magnetic alloy base. This is retained at over 95%, showing only light wear, though there is some denting on the rear of the pommel, possibly from being used as a hammer.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and fully legible, still showing crisp edges in the light with the frosting partly present. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, however as this was made during the 1936-1938 changeover period, this is correct.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by aluminum alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel mostly intact. Unlike most we see, the plating is still present on the brass of the insignia, or possibly it is solid nickel alloy (unlikely). The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, with the strengthened ricasso, however it has been altered slightly from the original shape due to sharpening of the edge. The factory final polish grind crossgrain is still present throughout the blade, thought past oxidation staining and cleaning has made it faint, and in some areas it is totally worn away. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is overall oxidation staining on the blade, but no signs of major rust peppering or past pitting. This looks to be a knife that saw a good amount of use during the WWII period.

The reverse of the blade is very faintly marked with the RZM code for Emil Voos, over the production date:

((RZM))
M7 / 2

1937

Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik, also known as a Spezialfabrik für Jagd- und Sportmesser (Special Factory for Hunting and Sporting Knives), was a Solingen-based knife maker founded in 1925. They made many HJ knives during the WWII period, both with their trademark "Serpent Around a Stump" logo and later under their RZM code M7/2, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles. The M7 in the code stands for knives/daggers, contractor 2 stands for firm Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik, a maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, steel with a lovely black enamel finish, with no dents we can feel. It does look to have been painted over during the war after the original finish became degraded. It is very well retained, showing a very interesting texture, and there are few scratches down to the steel base metal. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present, and in nice condition, with the expected service wear. The retainer loop is also present, with a functional snap in great shape.

A lovely HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a hard to find Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” with belt loop

AH believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (AH Jugend) was formed officially in 1935, and with the exception of NSDAP ideology indoctrination was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (AH Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization. The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed minor exams. The knives had nickeled hilts with black checkered grip plates. The obverse plate was fitted with an enameled HJ swas insignia. Through 1937, these knives were etched with the motto of the organization, Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!). Examples produced after this date were made with plain blades usually bearing an RZM marking.

The HJ Leaders were professionals in charge of the training and NSDAP education of the German Youth. They wore a special dagger consisting of silvered hilt fittings with blue-black leather-covered scabbard. The grip was composed of tightly wrapped silver wire, over a wood base. The pommel cap featured an HJ diamond on top, complete with swas. The upper scabbard fitting portrayed an open-winged HJ eagle with swas cut into the bird's chest. The blade was etched with the HJ motto, Blut und Ehre!