Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Eduard Wüsthof of Solingen with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition early HJ National Youth Organization Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by the well-known firm of Eduard Wüsthof, Dreizackwerk (Trident Works) of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in very good condition, with over 90% intact, showing some small areas of wear and oxidation. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and crisp, and still retains a good amount of the factory darkening.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in great condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel mostly intact. The plating has worn off the brass, which now has a mellow patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is a bit loose and sunken in, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The blade still retains visible factory final polish grind cross grain over much of the surface, especially near the ricasso. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade definitely did see some level of service, as there is wear on the upper half of the blade, and definitely evidence of sharpening. There is also evidence of light staining, now polished away. It has the great look of an honest lightly used knife, and the blade is currently somewhat sharp.

On the reverse the blade is marked:

ED. WÜSTHOF
SOLINGEN
(TRIDENT LOGO)
GES. GESCH.

The “Trident in a Circle” is a trademark used by Ed. Wüsthof, Dreizackwerk (Trident Works), located in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in western Germany. During the WWII Period they manufactured many HJ Knives, both with their trademark and later with the RZM code M7/19. The firm was founded in 1814 by Johan Wilhelm Wüsthof, and recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. It is one of the premier mid-sized cutlery companies in Germany today. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the Ges. Gesch., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is no longer in place, having deteriorated over the many years. There also is the name Rudiek written on the blade, probably with some type of marker, which has now oxidized into the surface.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with original black enamel paint, which is retained at over 80%. There is wear on the edges and towards the tip, and there is also some checking and crazing in the enamel, confirming the great age and that the scabbard has not been repainted. The leather belt loop is intact and very nice, with a good working snap on the retainer loop, though the leather is somewhat delicate.

A wonderful HJ Knife with a very nice early pattern blade in great collectible condition! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 5/8″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/4”
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!