Original German WWII 1937 Dated Transitional HJ Knife with Motto by Lauterjung & Sohn PUMA-Werk with Scabbard - RZM M7/27

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of desirable maker Lauterjung & Sohn PUMA-Werk of Solingen. This is definitely a transitional period knife, with characteristics of both the early and later pattern. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. This is retained at over 90%, showing only light wear, though there is some denting on the pommel 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 with the frosting still 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, showing only light wear and a bit of dirt, with no cracks or damage. These are retained by nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is very good condition, with the enamel fully intact. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely mustard patina on the borders. 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 in very good condition, with the strengthened ricasso, however it looks to have been re-shaped over the years. The factory final polish grind crossgrain is still present throughout the blade, thought cleaning has made it faint in areas. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade is now about 1/2" shorter than when originally made, and is much more of a "spear" shape than the original leaf shape it originally was. It is currently relatively dull, and the original leather blade buffer is still present.

On the rear of the blade, there is a clear Puma's Head Logo over PUMA in a diamond over SOLINGEN, the trademark logo of Lauterjung & Sohn, Puma-Stahlwarenfabrik / Puma - Werk of Solingen, Germany, the legendary "City of Blades". This is a known producer of SS, SA, and NSKK daggers during the Pre-WWII period and after. This company was originally founded on a small scale in 1796, Nathanael Lauterjung officially opened a cutlery and knife making workshop in Solingen during 1855. After his death, the name was changed and registered as "Puma-Werk", to avoid confusion with the other Lauterjung-owned workshops in Solingen. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped under the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law).

Additionally, on the raised blade ricasso is the marking (RZM) M 7/27 over date 1937. 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 27 stands for firm Lauterjung & Sohn PUMA-Werk, a maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, steel that was originally coated with black enamel paint, which now shows crazing and checking throughout. We can still see the original texture of the steel as well, and there are no dents or major damage to the shell. There is still an intact belt loop, with the leather in great shape and a fully functional securing strap. The rear of the belt loop is marked with L.F.S. on top of an Oak Leaf, a known but unidentified maker marking seen on the belt loops HJ knives from many different makers.

 

A lovely HJ Knife from the transitional period with a great re-shaped blade, made by a desirable Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 5/16”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4"

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!