Original German WWII Early Motto Marked HJ Knife by J.A. Henckels Zwillingswerk of Solingen with Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely condition early HJ Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by blade by the desirable maker J.A. Henckels Zwillingswerk of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, showing some honest period wear while still looking great. The plating on the steel hilt is over 60% retained, showing plating loss on the end of the crossguard and on the front side of the pommel, where the steel is completely exposed.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with the enamel almost fully intact, with just a bit of scratching on the surface. The plating is worn away leaving a lovely oxidized brass patina on the borders. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is fully present, though cleaning has removed the factory darkening. The blade finish is bright, and looks to have been well cared for during service, showing only light staining in a few areas. We can also see much of the original factory final polish grind cross grain. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The knife does look to have been sharpened a few times, but the geometry is still correct, and the blade is still relatively sharp.

The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the "Twins" (Zwilling) trademark logo of J.A. Henckels AG, Zwillingswerk, Stahlwarenfabrik ("Twin Works" Steelware Factory) of Solingen:

J.A. HENCKELS. SOLINGEN
ZWILLINGSWERK

This well-known company has used the "Twins" trademark since it was founded June 13th, 1731 by Johann Peter Henckels as Die Zwillinge. The brand's namesake was Johann Abraham Henckels the Elder (1771–1850), who renamed the brand after himself while under his leadership. The company registered several additional brands and trademarks over the years, including "triplets" and "quadruplets" to avoid confusion with their "twins" logo. The company was officially registered with Solingen in 1882, and became purveyors to the Prussian and Austrian imperial houses. They also began a healthy export business not long after.

During the third reich era, the company made SA and NSKK daggers, as well as forged blades for other manufacturers. They manufactured HJ knives, but they seem to be somewhat rare, so production was probably limited. They also made early period army and Luftwaffe daggers, per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS. The company survived the war, and is still in operation today as one of the world's leading manufacturers of chef's knives.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped next to the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is not present, probably having fallen off long ago.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in very good service used condition, with no dents in the shell. It has about 75% of the original factory black enamel, showing a lot of checking and crazing, which has caused a good amount of the finish to flake away closer to the bottom. We also noted that the rear runner is missing, so the scabbard does not stay on the blade well. The brown leather belt loop is present, however the securing strap is torn off, with a piece now stuck in the belt loop. There is also a good amount of wear to the end of the loop, and a partial tear through near the scabbard mouth. The belt loop is embossed on the rear with the leaf logo of LFS, often seen on these HJ Knife scabbards.

A very nice early pattern HJ Knife and scabbard, made by a desirable Solingen maker! Ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 1/2”
Crossguard: 2”
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!