Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of desirable maker Lauterjung & Sohn PUMA-Werk of Solingen. This is definitely a transitional period knife, with characteristics of both the early and later pattern. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. This is retained at about 50%, showing wear from the retaining strap that was originally on the belt loop.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. This knife was made in 1938, so it most likely did not have an acid-etched"Blut und Ehre!" (Blood and Honor!) motto, however due to the wear on the blade it would have been obliterated anyway.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered, as is correct, and are retained by nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The reverse scale is in great shape, however the front side is almost 50% missing, and had the missing area filled in with some type of resin. The HJ insignia is very good condition, with the enamel fully intact. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely mustard patina.

The blade of this example is in very good service used condition, with the strengthened ricasso, however it definitely has seen a lot of use and cleaning. This has completely removed the original factory final polish grind crossgrain on both sides, and repeated sharpening has somewhat changed the shape of the blade. We can see evidence of past oxidation and corrosion that was cleaned away, though there are no major chips or nicks on the edge, which is still actually quite sharp. The leather blade buffer is unfortunately missing.

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). 

Additionally, on the raised blade ricasso is the marking (RZM) M 7/27 over date 1938. The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was 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 27 stands for firm Lauterjung & Sohn PUMA-Werk, a maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. 

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, steel that was originally coated with black enamel paint, which is now retained only around the remains of the belt loop. It now shows an overall oxidized gray patina, with some small dents in places. The original belt loop is gone, though it does still fit the blade securely.

A lovely service used HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a desirable Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
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!