Original German WWII HJ Entrenching Tool Dated 1937 – Scaled Down Standard Model Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting WWII German entrenching tool which is roughly 2/3rd the scale of a normal example, as this one was issued to the HJ, the youths of Germany. There is a hole in the pommel so it may be hung from the belt, and the head is painted blue.

There is an RZM code stamped on the shaft, (RZM) 68/37, which confirms this as Pre-WWII. The 37 indicates a production date of 1937. This is the first example of an HJ entrenching tool we have offered, so don’t miss out! The shovel measures roughly 17 ¾” long, with the head being 5 ¼” wide. This example comes ready for further research and display!

HJ believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (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 (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!