Original German WWII 1938 Dated Transitional HJ Knife with Motto by Rare Maker C.D. Schaaff in Scabbard – RZM M7/56 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of rare maker C.D. Schaaff, Stahlwarenfabrik of Solingen. This is definitely a transitional period knife, with characteristics of both the early and later pattern. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. Much of the plating remains, about 80%, with some wear through and patination on the pommel, as well as a bit of rusting near the rear cross guard.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. However, acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible, though the original dark frosting has been mostly cleaned away. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, which was removed by most makers by 1936-1937.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel-plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel 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 has traces of the original final polish grind crossgrain throughout the blade, though it is only visible in reflection. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade looks to have only seen light use in service, and still has the original shape completely retained. There is just a bit of light overall staining and runner wear on the blade. The leather buffer is still present and in very good condition.

The reverse of the blade marked with the “Trawlerman’s Head Smoking a Pipe” trademark of the C.D. Schaaff firm, and to the right of the trademark is:

C. D. SCHAAFF

SOLINGEN

C.D. Schaaff, Stahlwarenfabrik (steel ware factory) is a rare maker located in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in western Germany. Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, this company was first founded in 1871, and registered in Solingen during 1887. They would go on to manufacture all manner of steel wares, including surgical tools and sugar tongs. They were mainly known to have made SA and NSKK daggers during WWII, first with their own trademark, and later with their RZM code. They also made a small number of HJ knives bearing their trademark and RZM code. This is only the fourth example of a Schaaff knife that we have ever seen, and the only HJ Knife. 

To the right of the address marking, the blade is also marked with the RZM designation for Schaaff:

((RZM))
M7/56
1938

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 56 stands for rare firm C.D. Schaaff, Stahlwarenfabrik of Solingen.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, steel with black enamel paint retained at over 80%. We do not see any signs of it being refinished, and there is a lovely pattern of crazing in some areas. There is paint missing on the tip, and on one area in the back, which has allowed the steel to oxidize slightly. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present, and in nice supple condition, showing finish wear and wrinkles from use. The retainer loop is also present, complete with a functioning snap.

A wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a very rare Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and 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 4″ 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!