Original German WWII HJ Knife Belt with Steel Buckle by Overhoff & Cie. – RZM M4/27 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII German HJ cast aluminum Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß). It is embossed with the HJ motto Blut und Ehre (Blood and Honor). The buckle is of 1940 pattern, with die stamped steel construction, which was then plated, possibly with zinc and aluminized paint. It shows wear on the front through the plating, and some corrosion in areas, particularly on the back inside. It is marked faintly on the back with the RZM logo and maker code M4 / 27, for Overhoff & Cie. of Lüdenscheid.

The thick dark brown leather belt is in good condition, and definitely shows wear and use. However the black finish is still present, and it definitely looks like a well cared for belt. It measures 35” when fully extended, and does not have any extra holes or other modifications added. There are some markings on the inside of the belt, which we have not been able to decipher.

A very good example of a service-worn HJ Knife Belt, ready to display!

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