Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ Fahrtenmesser (trip knife) marked on the blade by blade by the desirable maker Lauterjung & Sohn PUMA-Werk of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, showing only light 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 present, however you must hold the blade in the light to see it, as the factory darkening is worn away.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with the original plating worn down to the brass base metal, and with the enamel almost fully intact. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is no longer resting level, confirming authenticity. This is also why the grips are slightly loose on the tang.

The blade of this example is in very good condition with a bright polished finish, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. Some of the original factory final grind marks can be seen, but there are also a lot of swirl marks from past sharpening and cleaning away light speckled oxidation. It still has the classic shape and the edge is still sharp in areas.

On the rear of the blade, there is a clear Puma's Head Logo over PUMA in a diamond over SOLINGEN, the trademark logo of Lauterjung & Sohn, Puma-Stahlwarenfabrik / Puma - Werk of Solingen, Germany, the legendary "City of Blades". This is a known producer of SS, SA, and NSKK daggers during the Pre-WWII period and after. This company was originally founded on a small scale in 1796, Nathanael Lauterjung officially opened a cutlery and knife making workshop in Solingen during 1855. After his death, the name was changed and registered as "Puma-Werk", to avoid confusion with the other Lauterjung-owned workshops in Solingen. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped under the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is still present and in very good shape.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in fantastic condition. It has over 95% of the original factory black enamel, and the original texture of the metal underneath can be seen, so it was not refinished. There are a few chips and scratches, as well some crazing from age, which also confirms it was not refinished. The leather belt loop is present with an intact securing strap, and is in very good condition.

A very nice HJ Knife with an early pattern blade in very good collectible condition with a fantastic scabbard!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 1/2”
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!