Original German WWII HJ Knife RZM M7/18 by Herder Dated 1939 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This HJ Knife is in very nice condition. The hilt has much of the the original nickel plating over the pot metal base.

The grip plates are the black checkered variety and are in excellent condition with the exception of the reverse that is missing a section. They are retained by steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The enamel grip insignia retains bright colors and has a clean surface.

The scabbard is completely straight throughout with much of the original black paint. The belt and retainer loops are fine grain leather type made early in the period. They are in complete condition with a functional snap.

The blade has much of the original crossgrain and an intact tip.There are signs of wear on the blade. The reverse ricasso is double stamped with a double RZM circle, with the code M7/18 along with the maker name:

RICH. ABR. HERDER

RZM M7/18.

1939

The original leather blade buffer is in place.

A wonderful HJ Knife here by a top maker with very rare transitional double marking!

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!.