Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Gebrüder Christians of Solingen with Scabbard 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 rare maker Gebrüder Christians of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a rough example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating is very worn, with about 50% still intact. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible but most of the original dark etched finish has been polished off by use and sharpening, and the blade has some light pitting.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in great condition, the best part of this knife, retained by 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 bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is rough with some pitting, 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 crossgrain on the blade body and an intact tip. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened several times, but has a good bit of pitting across. However it still has the great look of an honest used knife, and the blade is currently quite sharp. On the reverse the blade is marked:

(Three-Tined Fork)
CHRISTIANS
SOLINGEN
GES. GESCHÜTZT

The “Three-Tined Fork” is a trademark used during the early WWII Period by Gebrüder Christians, Christianswerk, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in western Germany. The design is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the “Ges. Geschütz”, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original blade buffer is missing.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example with original paint. The paint is heavily worn and only 60% remains. There is a lot of checking and crazing in the lacquer, with a bit of flaking on the inner side. The leather hanger is absent, with only a small bit of leather remaining on the two rivets that held it. There is no retainer loop or snap.

A fair example of an HJ knife by a rare maker, ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/4″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 7/16”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8”

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!