Original German WWII HJ Knife by F.W. Höller of Solingen – RZM M7/33 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the classic later pattern HJ Knife, produced by the well-known Solingen based firm of F.W. Höller. These given to boys who were educated in the paramilitary organization, which they often continued to carry into their military service.. Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. They also do not have the HJ motto etched on the blade, and often are marked not with a maker, but a German RZM Code. This example however is both maker mark, as well as the code.

The hilt has almost all of the nickel plating remaining, with a few specks missing and a bit of staining. The grip plates are the black checkered variety and are in excellent condition. They are retained by steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The enamel grip insignia retains very bright colors and has a clean surface, with completely intact enamel. The plating has worn off the brass portions though, so they are now a dull oxidized green color.

The scabbard is completely straight throughout with more than 90% of the original enamel finish present. It is worn through to the steel in several places, with a few scratches and chips, however there is minimal age “crazing” in the finish. The belt loop is black finished leather, and is intact with the expected wear of age. The securing strap is intact, with a functional snap.

The blade has the original crossgrain throughout both sides, a hallmark of German WWII era blades, though there is also a bit of light oxidation in places, and the usual light runner wear. It does not appear to have been sharpened, and still has the original factory edge, which is somewhat dull. The original leather blade buffer is in place. The reverse of the blade bears the maker name of F. W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN, surrounding the trademark Höller “Thermometer” emblem. This is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous “City of Blades” in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons.

The reverse ricasso is also stamped with an RZM circle, with the code M7/33. 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, with F.W. Höller being contractor number 33.

A wonderful HJ Knife in fine collectible condition!

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!