Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely lightly used 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 Anton Wingen Jr. of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in very nice condition, with over 80% still present, with a bit of wear through on the side of the pommel from the retaining strap.

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 made in 1938

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by solid aluminum rivets with dressed obverse heads. They do not show any cracks or scratches, just some dirt 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 very good condition, with the strengthened ricasso, and no signs of major damage or oxidation. The front of the blade still retains most of the the original factory final polish grind crossgrain, while on the reverse much less present. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. It looks like there was some past oxidation staining removed, which has made the grain faint near the edge on both sides, and removed most of it from the back. The blade does show sharpening, but it has not majorly changed the shape of the blade. It is still quite sharp and should be handled with care. The leather blade buffer is still in place, showing wear from service.

The front ricasso of the blade is marked with the "Standing Knight" trademark logo of Anton Wingen Jr. while the rear ricasso is stamped with the RZM Designation ((RZM)) M7 / 51 / 38. Anton Wingen Jun., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was a cutler and metalsmith company first founded in Solingen, Germany in 1888, and was formally registered in late 1901. They first came to prominence during WWI with their high quality hunting and combat knives, which were popular with troops. They acquired the "Knight" logo from Clauberg in 1920, and continued using it through the Third Reich period. This particular trademark was the style of logo they used on smaller knives, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. Of note is that they changed the style of markings several times during the war, sometimes etching the RZM logo on the blade body, and other times stamping it on the ricasso. The company continued operation well after the war, finally closing in 1997.

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 51 stands for firm Anton Wingen Jr, 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 60%, 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, and there are two dents on the front next to each other, which do not interfere with sheathing the blade. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, showing just a bit of wear to the black finish, with the very end showing some cracking where it is folded. The retaining loop is present with a working snap, and is in solid condition. The belt loop is faintly embossed on the rear with the leaf logo of LFS, often seen on these HJ Knife scabbards.

A very nice 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 9/16"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 11/16”
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!