Original German Early WWII HJ Knife with Motto by C. Lütters & Co with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife) marked on the blade with the “Prone Lion” trademark logo and name of the small firm of C. Lütters & Co., Löwenwerk, based in Solingen, Germany:

C. LÜTTERS & CO.
(PRONE LION LOGO)
SOLINGEN

Carl Lütters founded this company in 1840, which was then officially registered with Solingen authorities in 1862. They started out making all manner of edged items and tools, such as pen knives, pocket knives, gardening knives, scissors etc.. By 1922 they had started specializing mostly in pocket knives, and in 1930 started using the Löwenwerk (Lion Works) name. The company mostly made HJ knives during WWII, but also made early SA daggers, per J. Anthony Carter’s GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped under the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law).

This HJ Knife is a fantastic example with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. Some plating still remains, probably 70% at best, with nice patination and some oxidation of the exposed base metal. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible, though much of the original dark frosting has been cleaned away. Later manufactured knives did not have this motto.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in great condition, retained by nickel-plated rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is a small crack in the scale above the top rivet about the insignia. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with most of the enamel fully intact.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, steel with black enamel paint retained at 40%. The scabbard has some dings and scratches. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present, they are in good condition but the leather has dried out a bit over the decades. The retainer loop is present, but the finish has some cracks, leaving the bare leather somewhat delicate.

A wonderful HJ Knife from the pre-war period, made by a Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

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

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!