Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen with Scabbard – 1933-35 Trademark Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition early HJ National Youth Organization Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by the legendary firm of Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik, of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in very good condition, with over 75% still intact, showing some wear through and oxidation on the sides of the pommel. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present, though it definitely is worn from use and cleaning of the blade.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good lightly worn condition, retained by solid nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel mostly intact, with some light wear and chipping on one white panel. The brass borders have oxidized to a lovely patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is a bit loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no long raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The blade has been cleaned and sharpened, most likely multiple times, which has removed all of the original factory final grind crossgrain, and has made the motto and markings a bit faint. It shows some evidence of past oxidation, now cleaned away, and the blade profile is a bit thinner. The blade is still VERY sharp in some areas, so please handle with care.

This fine example was produced by Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik, the legendary edged weapon maker from Solingen, Germany, and is marked with their trademark “Seated Squirrel” double oval “losenge” logo, which was used in various forms during the 1933-1935 period. The rear of the dagger is marked:

CARL EICKHORN
(SQUIRREL LOGO)
SOLINGEN
GES. GESCHÜTZT

According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is missing.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered type, with a black enamel paint finish and leather belt loop. The finish on the obverse is mostly gone, having flaked away and allowed the steel to oxidize, which was later cleaned. The rear shows more of the original enamel, but does show checking, crazing, and flaking. The leather belt loop is present, and in good condition, however the female half of the snap on the securing loop is completely gone along with the leather that was fastened inside it. Aside from that the leather is still in relatively good condition.

A lovely service used HJ Knife with a very nice early pattern blade by the most famous of all Solingen makers! In great collectible condition and ready to 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!