Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of the classic later pattern HJ National Youth Organization fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. This very nice Mid-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 knife has seen significant use, so unfortunately the plating is mostly gone, having worn off over the years. 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 knife still retains one of its checkered bakelite grip panels, held in place by original rivets. The other side was at some point lost, and replaced with a black painted wooden scale, and the rivets re-peened to retain it. The HJ insignia is also in good condition, and unfortunately looks to have been damaged, as one of the red panels is almost completely missing the translucent enamel. These were used in the field by their owners, so damage like this is not uncommon.
The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with a the standard black enamel finish. It has seen significant use as well, and has a good amount of missing finish on the bottom portion, which has some surface rust. The rest of the scabbard retains the enamel well, with the expected chips, checking, and crazing from age. 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 good working snap, though it has some cracking from age, and is somewhat delicate.
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 in service, as it has been sharpened several times, however not excessively, and there are no major edge issues. It is still relatively sharp, though there is overall staining and oxidation peppering on the blade, as shown. 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 recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. It is one of the premier mid-sized cutlery companies in Germany today. 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 1940 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.
A wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period, 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!