Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked HJ Knife by Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co. with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by maker Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co. 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 excellent condition, with about 90% still intact and shiny. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible in the light, but all of the original dark etched finish has been removed by cleaning and wear.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel-plated 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. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is slightly  loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, 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 trades 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 a bit to remove oxidation. However it still has the great look of an honest used knife, and the blade is currently quite somewhat sharp, though the leading edge is a bit blunt. There are some areas of staining and oxidation, which we have left in place to preserve the patina. The blade is also loose in the hilt.

The reverse of the blade marked with the “Left Facing Tiger” trademark of the Lauterjung & Co. firm, and to the right of the trademark is:

TIGER

SOLINGEN

Lauterjung & Co., Tiger Stahlwaren- und Waffenfabrik is a famous manufacturer in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany. Their trademark was a Tiger, and their factory was thus often referred to as Tigerwerk (Tiger Works). The firm was founded in 1873 to make knives, scissors, and other steel ware, and survived until after the war. There were several different branches of the Lauterjung family involved in edged weapons, operating under different trade names to avoid confusion. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GESETZL. GESCHÜTZT., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is present, but worn.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered steel example with some of the original black enamel paint retained. Most of this is on the back, with the front side of the scabbard devoid of paint, with gray patina. There are however no dents or structural damage to the scabbard, and both internal runners are still present. The leather belt loop is intact, and shows light wear, with a good working snap on the retainer loop.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/2″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/2”
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4” 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!