Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Rare Maker Paul Seilheimer 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 Paul Seilheimer, Waffenfabrik of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a good example of the type, though it does show wear and oxidation throughout. The plating on the steel hilt is completely gone, and overall the knife has a peppered patina from past oxidation. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present, however you must hold the blade in the light to see it due to oxidation.

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 fully intact. 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 80% of the original paint. There is some wear towards the bottom, and overall there is light scratching, crazing, and checking in the enamel due to age. The leather belt loop is present, and in good condition, though the securing strap has broken through due to dry rot.

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. It has an overall dull patina from years of polishing and cleaning to remove oxidation. It still has the classic shape, though it is somewhat dull.

The reverse of the blade is stamped with the Paul Seilheimer interlocking “PS” trademark logo over SOLINGEN. Paul Seilheimer, Waffenfabrik was located in the Solingen – Wald area, and was founded in 1917. This was one of the standard logos they used during the early third reich period, per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The company continued operation until 1970, though members of the family are still involved in Solingen industry to this day.

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

A very nice HJ Knife with an early pattern blade in good 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!