Original German WWII Early Motto-Marked & Named HJ Knife by Gustav Voss with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ Knife (HJ knife) marked on the blade by the small firm of Gustav Voss, Messerfabrik, 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 very good condition, with about 75% still intact, with a lovely patina. 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 loose, confirming authenticity.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with some of the original paint. The front side is almost completely missing the original black enamel, while the reverse is mostly present, with some scratches, wear, and checking. This definitely was a knife that saw a lot of use. The leather belt loop is present, but shows heavy wear and is in delicate condition. The original securing strap is missing the snap, and has almost turn through.

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 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 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.

This fine example was produced by Gustav Voss, Messerfabrik, a known producer of this knife during WWII. The rear of the dagger is marked:

(FOX HEAD LOGO)
SOLINGEN
GES. GESCH.

Gustav Voss began operations in 1901, as a maker of Bags and Pocket knives, but by 1929 they had moved entirely to knife production. Their trademark logo is a highly stylized geometric fox’s head with eyes, which looks almost like a triangular tool. The company mostly made pocket knives during WWII, this being a typical example, per J. Anthony Carter’s GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. 

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCH., 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!

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!