Original German WWII 1941 Dated Transitional HJ Knife by Rare Maker Klittermann & Moog with Scabbard – RZM M7/29 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the logo and RZM code of rare maker Klittermann & Moog GmbH of Haan. This is the first item of any type that we have had from this rare maker. The HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a zinc alloy base. The plating still remains in nice condition, with over 80% still present, with a bit of wear through on the sides of the pommel from the securing strap. Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. There is no acid etched motto on the blade, and it does not look like it ever had one.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition, retained by aluminum alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. They do show wear, and there is a small missing chunk from the front side grip near the pommel. The HJ insignia is in fantastic shape with its enamel all retained, and a lovely dark patina on the brass borders. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and the grips a bit loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, 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 buffer is still present and in very good condition, which may be made of rubber and could have been added later, but we have never had an example by this maker before, so it could be original.

On the reverse of the blade is the wartime “round” logo for Klittermann & Moog, featuring their “embowed arm holding a spear” logo inside the company name and address:

KLITTERMANN & MOOG G.m.b.H.
(Trademark)
HAAN b/ SOLINGEN

Klittermann & Moog GmbH, Rasiermesserfabrik (Razor Factory) was located in Haan, right to the west of Solingen, the Legendary “City of Blades” in Germany. By using the “Haan bei Solingen” statement they associated themselves with the City, and Haan really was located just outside the outer districts of the city. This company started trading in the early Weimar period, and registered numerous trademarks, and during the Third Reich period began advertising edged weapons in Die Klinge. Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, this company made SA and NSKK daggers, as well as edged weapons for numerous other NSDAP organizations, such as the HJ. They were given RZM number M7/29, which previously had been used by Jacobs & Co., so to distinguish their marking they used Fraktur blackletter type for the “M” in the RZM marking.

The reverse ricasso is further marked with the RZM Designation (RZM) M.7/29-1942., which has the correct Fraktur font letter “M”. The transition to the RZM system occurred in 1938-39, so there are knives from various makers that are both maker and RZM marked from this period.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), 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 M.7 in the code stands for knives/daggers, contractor 29 stands for firm Klittermann & Moog.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example with a standard black enamel finish, which is retained at about 95%, and is definitely a top example. There is some crazing and checking, but nothing major, and there are no dents we can see, just honest wear from use. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, though the black finish does some light cracking. The retaining loop is present with a working snap, and is in solid condition. The belt loop is embossed on the rear with the leaf logo of LFS, often seen on these HJ Knife scabbards.

A very nice HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a 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 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!