Original German WWII 1940 dated HJ Knife by Emil Voos Waffenfabrik with Post War Scabbard – RZM M7/2 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good 1940 dated example of the classic later pattern HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with a post war manufactured scabbard. It was produced by the rare maker Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), based in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany.

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.

The hilt of this example was is nickel plated zinc alloy, and the original finish is well retained. It does show patination and light oxidation over all, and the plating is now speckled with tiny areas where it has lifted away. 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 alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads, which show light oxidation. The HJ grip insignia has almost full enamel, and the brass borders between the panels still show almost all of the original plating. It is slightly loose in the grips, caused by the bakelite shrinking over the years, which also confirms authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, showing moderate use, and no major rust issues or other damage. It looks to be partly hollow ground, or perhaps was factory reground at some time on the right side of the blade. It has definitely been sharpened during service, and is still quite sharp in areas. The original leather blade buffer is still in place, and in very good condition.

The reverse ricasso of the blade is marked with the RZM code for Emil Voos, over the production date:

((RZM)) M7 / 2
            1940

Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik, also known as a Spezialfabrik für Jagd- und Sportmesser (Special Factory for Hunting and Sporting Knives), was a Solingen-based knife maker founded in 1925. They made many HJ knives during the WWII period, both with their trademark “Serpent Around a Stump” logo and later under their RZM code M7/2, per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, 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 Emil Voos of Solingen being contractor number 2.

The post war non-magnetic alloy scabbard is completely straight throughout with no dents, and still retains most of the original black enamel finish. There is a bit less retained on the back when compared to the front, due to wear from clothing. The rear of the scabbard probably has about 90% remaining, with areas of wear and scratching. The belt loop is black leather, and is in very good shape, with all rivets and snaps intact, and supple leather.

A very nice German WWII HJ Knife from a rare Solingen maker!

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