Original German WWII Transitional HJ Knife with Motto with Scabbard - Maker Marking Worn Away

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), which looks to have seen a good amount of use and cleaning of the blade, which unfortunately worn away the RZM marking on the reverse. Some companies very lightly etched this marking, making it easy for it to be worn away. We have checked all aspects of the knife, and it is definitely the genuine article. 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 95%, showing only light wear and oxidation, and there is no major damage or denting to the pommel.

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 mostly legible, still showing mostly crisp edges, however the frosting is completely worn away due to cleaning. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, however as this example was most likely 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, showing wear from service, past sharpening, and cleaning. The factory final polish grind crossgrain is still present in many areas the blade, thought cleaning has made it faint and only visible in reflection. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. We can still see sharpening marks near the edge, and the blade is still relatively sharp, with some edge damage near the tip. The original leather blade buffer is still present, showing wear from service.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, and still retains about 60% of the original black enamel finish. A good amount has worn off from the front of the scabbard, and the remaining enamel shows checking and crazing due to age. There is a bit of denting and irregularity to the very top of the scabbard, which does not interfere with sheathing the blade. The leather belt hanger is still intact, showing wear from age and use. The securing strap is present and functional, though it shows some tearing and deterioration.

A lovely HJ Knife from the transitional period, complete with the original scabbard! 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 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!