Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ National Youth Organization Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by blade by maker Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik 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 lightly worn look. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and easily 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 rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel fully intact and lovely, and the borders showing a lovely brass patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is in good condition, 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 factory final polish grind crossgrain near the crossguard, however it has been cleaned and polished on both sides, which has mostly removed it. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The blade definitely saw use in service, but the shape is still mostly correct, and it looks great with the polished finish.

The reverse is stamped with the Emil Voos trademark logo with a "Serpent around a stump", between the makers initials and location:

Emil Voos, Waffenfabrik, also known as a Spezialfabrik für Jagd- und Sportmesser (Special Factory for Hunting and Sporting Knives), was a Solingen-based knife maker founded in 1925. The "Serpent-and-Stump" logo under the E.V.S. initials was used on HJ Knives such as this the WWII period, per 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 logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is present, and in good but worn condition.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with great original black enamel paint on the rolled steel body. There is some crazing and checking on the front, with a bit of oxidation, while the rear shows just a bit of crazing, making this one of the best scabbard shells we have seen in some time. The leather belt loop is present, and in solid condition, with an intact securing strap with a working snap. The finish is a bit worn and flaked away, and the top of the snap is missing, so it should be handled with care.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 9/16”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” with 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!