Original German WWII HJ Knife with Motto-Marked Blade and Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available: This nice early HJ Knife (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 nice condition, with over 80% still intact and mostly shiny. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible but the original dark etched finish has been partly polished off by use and sharpening.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good 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, though one of the red panels is missing a chip, and part has lifted away, allowing the brass to oxidize. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo can be loose, as this one is.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with original paint. The paint is still bright and rates at above 90%. There is a bit of checking and crazing in the lacquer, with some chipping on the outer side. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, though the finish is somewhat worn. The retainer loop is intact and has a good working snap, though it has some light cracking from age, as does the intact belt loop.

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. The motto is only seen in the earlier portion of this period.  The blade has some of the original crossgrain near the hilt and an intact tip. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened several times, and has been polished as well to remove oxidation. The blade is currently relatively sharp in places. The blade does not have any maker marking, but is definitely genuine. There were many smaller makers who supplied the need for these knives, prior to the institution of the RZM code system.

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

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!