Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Rare Maker Carl Heidelberg with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ Knife (HJ knife) marked on the blade by blade by the rare maker Carl Heidelberg, 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 good condition, with about 50% still intact, with a lovely worn look and a great patina. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible, with a good amount of the original factory darkening present.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by aluminum 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. There is however some oxidation under the enamel on one end. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with 40-50% of the original paint. There is overall chipping, showing the heat treated steel finish under the paint in many areas. This definitely was a knife that saw use during the war. The leather belt loop is present, and in solid condition, with an intact securing strap with a working snap.

The blade of this example is in 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. The blade has traces of the original crossgrain near the crossguard, and a worn tip. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened several times, and has been polished and cleaned multiple times to remove oxidation. However it still has the great look of an honest used knife, and the blade is currently quite sharp, though the leading edge is a bit blunt.

On the reverse the blade is marked with the “two wine bottle” trademark logo in a circle to the left of:

CARL HEIDELBERG
SOLINGEN

There is also GES. GESCHÜTZT marking to the right, perpendicular to the maker name. Carl Heidelberg, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelwares Factory) was located in the Gräfrath borough of Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in western Germany. They utilized the trademark of two wine or champagne bottles, sometimes marked “Schwarz” and “Weiss”, and were a known maker of early HJ knives, per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD 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 unfortunately missing.

A wonderful HJ Knife with a very nice early pattern blade in great collectible condition!

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