Original German Post War Scout Knife by P.C.I. with Inlaid HJ Insignia & Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The German WWII HJ National Youth Organization was based partly on the “scouting” organizations prevalent in Europe and the Americas, The fahrtenmesser (trip knife) design was very well made, and at the end of the war, many parts for these were left over, and the companies that had made them during the war continued production, and not only supplied the youth scouting organizations in post war Germany, but also throughout Europe, and even in the United States.

In 1954 P.I.C. (Precise International Corp.) of Suffern, N.Y. began serving as an importer of knives from Germany as as well as Japan. They had knives made by Voos, Linder, and Schlieper of Solingen, the Legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany, part of the Federal Republic of Germany (West German) during the Cold War. The Scout knives they had made were virtually identical to the late pattern HJ knives, except that they did not have any RZM markings, HJ Insignia, or motto, and were instead marked with a “gloved hand holding three arrows” trademark. The bakelite handles also still retained the diamond inlay, which was usually a scout “Fleur-de-Lis”. However as the design was the same, these knives were sometimes “retrofitted” with original H J Insignia for collector’s.

This is one such knife imported by PIC, which was then fitted with an original HJ insignia, probably from a cap. It is in an original scabbard with a belt loop, which is the WWII style. This is however an item intended to deceive, most likely modified during the 1950s-1960s after importation. The lack of an RZM code as well as the PIC marking confirm that this is definitely not a WWII original, however construction wise it is identical to the WWII knives, down to the final grind cross grain on the blade.

The knife is in very good condition, with a very nice blade showing just a bit of oxidation and wear. The factory final grind cross grain is nearly completely retained. The alloy hilt is in very good condition, showing some denting around the edge, but with mostly intact plating. The bakelite / plastic grip panels are retained by aluminum rivets, and the WWII Period HJ insignia is in very good shape.

The scabbard retains over 95% of the original black enamel, with just a bit of wear. The belt loop is still present, however the securing loop leather is very delicate.

A very nice post war German Scout knife, dressed up to look like a WWII original HJ Knife.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/2″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/2”
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!