Original German WWII 1936 Dated Transitional HJ Knife with Motto by WKC Waffenfabrik with Scabbard – RZM M7/42 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of legendary maker W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH of Solingen. 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. Almost all of the plating remains, over 90%, with just some slight bubbling and patination on 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 legible, though the frosting is definitely worn. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, however as this was made during the 1936-1937 changeover period, this is correct.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in fair condition with some cracks, retained by solid nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads, which show a bit of verdigris. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel fully intact. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity. The metal of the hilt is somewhat worn which has left a lovely patina as well as some nicks and scuffs.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, with the strengthened ricasso, showing wear from service and cleaning. The edge has been sharpened a few times, and is currently quite dull. We can see some past staining, but no major oxidation, and it has the look of a knife that was used but well cared for.

The reverse of the blade is stamped with the trademark “Knight’s Helmet” (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie Waffenfabrik of Solingen, later rebranded as WKC Waffenfabrik:

(Knight’s Helmet)
W K C
SOLINGEN

This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ”Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums, and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It was then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.

Avove the trademark logo is the additional marking (RZM) M7/42 1936, indicating 1936 manufacture by WKC. 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 WKC Waffenfabrik being contractor number 42.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, steel with a worn finish, with about 60% of the paint retained. What remains shows checking and crazing due to age, confirming that it is the original paint. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present, and in nice condition, with the expected service wear. The snap is still present and is fully functional which is very hard to find with these. This is a great example of an HJ Scabbard which fits the knife perfectly.

A wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a legendary Solingen Maker! 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 7/8” with belt loop

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!