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

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good 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 oxidation and bubbling on the pommel. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and crisp, though cleaning has worn away much of the original darkening.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent 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 fully intact. 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 still shows the original factory final grind crossgrain throughout the blade, seen by holding the blade in the light. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade definitely saw use in service, however the original service is still mostly retained, with the usual runner wear. It has been sharpened some, but the original blade profile is mostly preserved.

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 logo. The rear of the dagger is marked:

CARL EICKHORN
(SQUIRREL LOGO)
SOLINGEN
GES. GESCH.

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. GESCH., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is present and in very good shape.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered type, with a black enamel paint finish and leather belt loop. The finish is very well retained, and the original rolling marks can be seen, so it has not been repainted. There is some checking and crazing, as well as some chipping near the tip, but overall the finish is about 95% intact. The leather belt loop is present, and in good condition. The finish is worn, but the leather is solid, with the snap on the securing loop intact and functional. The rivet in the middle of the loop is however missing.

A wonderful 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!