Original German WWII Early Motto Marked HJ Knife by Rare Maker August Merten of Solingen with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition early HJ Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by blade by the rare maker August Merten of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, showing honest period wear and oxidation to the knife. The plating on the steel hilt is close to 100% present, with just a few small scrapes, which have oxidized. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is fully present, though cleaning has removed the factory darkening, so it must be held in the light to see.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with the enamel still fully intact, though there is some oxidation underneath. The plating is worn away leaving a lovely oxidized brass patina on the borders. 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 in very good condition, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. Oxidation and wear have unfortunately worn away the original factory final grind cross grain, and there is light peppered staining in some areas. The knife does not look to have been sharpened much during its life, and is currently relatively dull, with no changes to the blade shape.

The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves) trademark of August Merten Eichenlaub Stahlwarenfabrik (Oak Leaves Steelware Factory) of Solingen:

M
(Crossed Oak Leaves)
SOLINGEN

This company was founded in 1910 by August Merten, and registered with Solingen Authorities in 1919. After the passing of August, the name was changed to August Merten Witwe (August Merten’s Widow). By the NSDAP period, it was owned by Erich, Friedrich, and Werner Merten, as listed in the 1939 DRAB. They made a small number of Army, SA, and NSKK daggers during the war. They also made HJ knives with the M “Oakleaves” trademark over SOLINGEN, per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS. The company survived the war, and was in operation until 1998, when the company and trademarks were sold to Robert Herder.

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

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in very good condition, with what looks to be a black enamel finish over galvanized steel. It may have been overpainted during the WWII period. There is now some crazing in the finish, so if it was repainted, it was not done any type recently. The leather belt loop is present with an intact securing strap, and is in good condition, with some deterioration to the leather surface.

A very nice early pattern HJ Knife and scabbard, made by a rare Solingen maker! Ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 1/2″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4”

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!