Original German WWII Early Motto Marked HJ Knife by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie 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 with W.K.C. 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 still mostly present, with just a few areas of wear through and light oxidation. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is fully present and easy to see, with little to none of the original factory darkening still present.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. Unfortunately there is a chip in the bakelite just below the crossguard. The HJ insignia is also in good condition with the enamel about 75 percent intact with a piece of the top section cracked and missing. 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 slightly 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. Overzealous polishing and cleaning has unfortunately worn away the original factory final grind cross grain, and there is light staining and some scuffing on many areas. The knife has been sharpened several times, however it still retains the original shape. It is currently quite sharp, so it should be handled with care.

The reverse ricasso is maker marked with a trademark “Knight’s Head” logo over WKC / SOLINGEN with GES. GESCHUTZ above. This is the trademark logo used by the sought after maker, Weyersberg, Kirschbaum and Cie, Stahwarenfabrik from the Wald area of Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in the mountains of Eastern Germany. The company was founded in 1883 with the merger of two major Solingen sword-making companies, Weyersberg and Kirschbaum. In 1900 the company was the largest in Solingen, employing around 1,200 workers. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. WKC uses traditional hand forging in their production process. The company supplies over 50 militaries, military academies and police forces worldwide with ceremonial swords. The company also makes Japanese Katanas using the traditional hand forging process.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped above the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is present and in lovely condition on this example.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in very good condition. It has over 99% of the original factory black enamel, and the original texture of the metal underneath can be seen, so it was not refinished. There are just two small areas on the front where the paint is worn away. The leather belt loop is present with an intact securing strap, and is in condition, with some cracking where it meets the scabbard.

A very nice early pattern HJ Knife and scabbard, made by a sought after 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!