Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice ealy-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife) marked on the blade with both the “Glasses” trademark logo and rare maker Hermann Konejung. The remainder of the marking reads; A.-G. Solingen Ges. Geschützt.
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 excellent condition, retained by nickel-plated rivets with dressed obverse heads. 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. 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!