Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting transitional period HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), made right before the start of WWII and marked on the blade with both the maker logo and RZM code of rare maker Gebrüder Gräfrath of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a good example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a zinc alloy base. The plating still remains in very nice condition, with over 60% still present, with wear through on the side of the pommel from the retaining strap, as well as on the corners.

These knives were given to boys who were educated in the paramilitary organization, which they often continued to carry into their military service. Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. Shortly after this change the HJ motto ceased to be etched on the blade, and they often are marked not with a maker, but a German RZM Code. This example does not look to have been made with a motto on the blade.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, which now show light oxidation. They do not show any cracks or scratches, just some wear and dirt in the grooves from use. The HJ insignia is in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and has the enamel fully intact, though there is some staining under one of the translucent red panels. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is in good condition, with the strengthened ricasso, and no signs of major damage or oxidation. It has however had the blade shape modified quite a bit, and is no longer "leaf shaped", with the bottom edge having been made mostly straight. The tip has also been ground into a point, probably due to a past broken tip. It is still somewhat sharp, and overall shows some past oxidation, as well as scratching on both sides form cleaning and use.

This knife was originally produced by Gebrüder Gräfrath, a known Solingen producer of this knife during the pre-WWII period. The rear of the knife is marked with the companies trademark logo, which is still crisp:-

The stylized W in the center stands for "Widdert", and the ricasso also bears (RZM) code M7 / 30, correct for Gebr. Gräfrath. This company was founded in 1869, and registered in Solingen in 1879. In 1939, it was owned and operated by Karl, August, Friedrich Wilhelm, and Ernst Gräfrath, hence the name "Gräfrath Brothers". The company did have several registered trademark logos, however during the Third Reich period they marked early SA and NSKK daggers with just the company name and address in an oval. The company made many types of knifes during WWII, including SA, NSKK, HJ, and others per J. Anthony Carter's GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), or RZM, was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles. The M7 in the code stands for knives/daggers, contractor 30 stands for firm Gebrüder Gräfrath, a rare maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, retaining the standard black enamel finish at about 75%, with areas worn from scratches during service. The remaining finish shows checking and crazing from age, showing that it has not been refinished in the past. Areas with the finish missing have oxidized a bit, however there is no denting or other damage present. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, showing light wear to the black finish, and the retaining loop is present with a working snap, and is in solid condition. The lower securing rivet has however popped through, and the rear runner inside the scabbard is also missing.

A very nice service used transitional period HJ Knife from the early war period, made by a rare Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/16”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4” + belt loop

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!