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

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ Knife (HJ 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 about 75% still intact, with a lovely patina. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible in the light, but all of the original dark etched finish has been removed by cleaning and wear.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel-plated rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel almost fully intact. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The blade has traces of the original factory final grind crossgrain near the crossguard, and a worn tip. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened, and is currently very sharp in some areas on the edge. There is a bit of staining, but nothing major.

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” logo. The rear of the dagger is marked:

(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, originally covered in black enamel paint. Most of this is retained, though it does have a lot of chipping around the point and edges. The leather belt loop is present, and in good condition. The finish is worn, but the leather is solid, with all rivets and snaps intact an functional. There is also a marking on the back, but we cannot make out what it says except for the letters “L” and “S”.

A wonderful HJ Knife with a very nice early pattern blade by a legendary maker! 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!