Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Rare Maker Hermann Konejung A.-G. 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 very rare firm of Hermann Konejung A.-G., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) of Solingen. This is only the second item we have ever had from this company. 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 60% still intact, showing oxidation where the plating has worn away. 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 very good 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. There is a bit of red material that looks like oil pencil or something similar on the insignia.

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 long raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The blade still shows a bit of the original factory final grind crossgrain near the ricasso, 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, and shows light staining on both sides, as well as some wear from cleaning. It has been sharpened some, but the original blade profile is preserved.

This fine example was produced by Hermann Konejung A.-G., Stahlwarenfabrik, a rare edged weapon maker from Solingen, Germany, and is marked with their trademark “Circled Spectacles” double oval logo. The rear of the dagger is marked:

HERM.
KONEJUNG
A.-G.
(Spectacles Logo)
SOLINGEN
GES. GESCHÜTZT

According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1873by Hermann Konejung (1845-1915) and registered with Solingen authorities 17 January 1887. They originally manufactured all manner of cultery, and made many Nahkampfmesser “Close Combat Knives” during the first world war. During WWII They were known makers of SA and NSKK daggers, as well as some HJ Knives. The company survived the war, and stopped trading in 2005.

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 present and in very good shape.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered type, with a black enamel paint finish and brown leather belt loop. The scabbard body is still straight with no dents, however it does show age and checking, with oxidation where the finish has flaked away. The leather belt loop is present, and in good condition. The finish is worn, but the leather is mostly solid with a bit of surface cracking. The snap on the securing loop is intact and functional, though there is a crack by the “male” side, so it should be closed and opened carefully. The rivet at the top of the scabbard has popped out of the scabbard body.

A very nice service used HJ Knife with an early pattern blade by a rare Solingen 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!