Original German WWII Early Period HJ Knife by Hammesfahr & Co. of Solingen with Motto and Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition early HJ Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by blade by the rare maker Hammesfahr & Co. of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a very nice example of the type, showing honest period wear that gives it a great patina of age. This is a knife that was “really there”, and we do not see any attempts at major cleaning or restoration. The plating on the steel hilt is about 50% retained, with areas where it has flaked away and allowed the hilt to oxidize.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is only light wear to the grips, and they have no cracks or other major damage. The HJ diamond insignia is in very good condition with the enamel almost fully intact, with just a bit of scratching on the surface. The plating is worn away leaving a lovely oxidized brass patina on the borders. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is a bit loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is a very nice used example, 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 acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is fully present, though cleaning and use has removed the factory darkening. There is light overall oxidation, with some scuffing from use. The blade does look to have been sharpened a few times, but not enough to change the overall shape, and is currently somewhat sharp.

The reverse of the blade is marked with the “Single Swimmer” trademark logo of Hammesfahr & Co., vormals Gustav Hammesfahr (Formerly Gustav Hammesfahr), Messer – und Scheren-Fabrik (Knife and Scissor Factory) of Solingen. Under this is their name and address:

(Swimmer Logo)
HAMMESFAHR CIE.
SOLINGEN

Founded in 1919 by Gustav Hammesfahr and registered on May 2nd 1919, this metalworking business advertised an entire range of knives and scissors. The company utilized the earlier SCHWIMMER (Swimmer) brand name and “Two Men Swimming” logo registered by Hugo Hammesfahr, and registered the “Single Swimmer” logo in 1921. They manufactured early SA and NSKK daggers with an oval logo, and were also listed as an HJ knife maker in Die Klinge. For more information please see page 238 of J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the circled GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped next to the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is present on this example, but it does show some deformation and wear.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in good condition, with no dents ore deformation. The factory black enamel is retained at about 60%, with a lot worn off the front side, showing the original rolled steel texture. There’s a bit of crazing and checking in the remaining enamel, confirming that it was not refinished at any time. The leather belt loop is present, however it does show wear and the securing strap is completely missing.

A very nice early service used pattern HJ Knife and scabbard, made by a rare Solingen maker! 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!