Original Excellent German WWII Unmarked Late Pattern HJ Knife with Plastic Hanger Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of the classic late war pattern HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. This is a particularly late example, produced when material shortages were a real problem, so the included scabbard does not have a leather belt hanger, but one made from plastic. It also has no maker marked on the blade, as that took additional production time. It is also possible that it was paint stamped, which then wore away.

These knives were 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. Very late in the war, they were often not even RZM marked, such as this example.

The hilt of this example is nickel plated zinc “pot metal” alloy, and the original finish is very well retained, except where the retaining strap wore through it. There is some light oxidation and a few small flakes on the edges, but overall it is one of the best we have seen recently. The grip plates are the black checkered bakelite variety and are in very good condition, with light wear, and definitely no cracking. They are retained by plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, which show no oxidation. The HJ grip insignia has full enamel, and the brass borders between the panels still show original silver plating, now tarnished. It is a bit sunken in and slightly loose in the grips, caused by the bakelite shrinking over the years, which also confirms authenticity.

The blade of this example is in excellent condition, still showing the original factory final grind crossgrain almost completely. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is a bit of runner wear, but no signs of sharpening, and very little sign of use overall. Areas of the edge are still quite sharp, so please handle with care. The original blade washer is present, and looks to be made from Preßstoff ersatz leather, which is now very stiff and shows some cracking.

The scabbard is completely straight throughout with no dents, and looks great! The black enamel finish is retained almost completely. It also shows some checking and crazing, confirming that it is the original finish, as this takes decades to form. The belt loop is late war black plastic strapping, and is in very good shape, with all rivets and snaps intact.

A fantastic late pattern German WWII HJ Knife with a rare plastic belt hanger equipped scabbard! Ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 1/2″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8″
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4”

HJ believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (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 (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!