Original German WWII 1938-dated HJ Knife by Ed. Wüsthof of Solingen with Scabbard – RZM M7/19 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of the classic second pattern HJ National Youth Organization fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. This very nice pre-war production knife is marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of famed maker Ed. Wüsthof, Dreizackwerk (Trident Works) of Solingen, a well-known company that still exists today.

This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. This is still very well retained at over 90% with some wear through from the securing strap, as well as light overall wear. Unlike the early pattern knives, the mid and late pattern versions have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. There is no acid etched motto on the blade, but it is possible that it was removed during use and polishing. We have seen blades with only the RZM mark that still have the logo.

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 the enamel nearly fully intact. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely mustard patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, with the strengthened ricasso, and a nice shape and edge. The blade has some of the original crossgrain near the hilt and ricasso, and an intact tip. The blade definitely saw use and cleaning in service, which removed the crossgrain, however it does not look to have been sharpened or had any major oxidation issues in the past. The original leather blade buffer is in place, though it is somewhat worn.

On the reverse the blade is marked:

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

The “Trident in a Circle” is a trademark used by Edward Wüsthof, Dreizackwerk (Trident Works), located in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in western Germany. The firm was founded in 1814 by Johan Wilhelm Wüsthof, and 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 Blade ricasso is also marked with the companies RZM code M7 / 19 over a 1938 date. The RZM system was still relatively new at this time, and many makers continued to use already trademarked blades when manufacturing their knives.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles. The M7 in the code stands for knives/daggers, contractor 19 stands for firm Edward Wüsthof, a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous “City of Blades” in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, and looks to have seen extensive use. There is no enamel finish remaining, so we believe it may have originally been blued. It then saw a lot of use, and during cleaning it looks like the remaining bluing and any oxidation was removed on most of the scabbard. It now shows a worn gray patina overall. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, though the finish is somewhat worn. The retainer loop is intact and has a working snap, though it has some cracking from age, and is somewhat delicate, already having been repaired

A wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period with a service used scabbard, made by a famous Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

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!