{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-1938-dated-transitional-hj-knife-with-motto-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-with-scabbard-rzm-m7-42","title":"Original German WWII 1938 Dated Transitional HJ Knife with Motto by WKC Waffenfabrik with Scabbard - RZM M7\/42","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition Mid-war production HJ \u003cem\u003eFahrtenmesser\u003c\/em\u003e (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of legendary maker \u003cem\u003eW.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH of Solingen\u003c\/em\u003e. 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 an alloy base. Almost all of the plating remains, over 95%, with just some slight patination on the pommel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. The acid-etched motto \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBlut und Ehre!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (Blood and Honor!) is present and fully legible, with the dark frosting retained almost completely, something we almost never see! Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, however as this was made during the 1936-1938 changeover period, this is correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, showing only light wear and a bit if chipping at the edge, with no cracks or maker damage. They are retained by plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, which still retain their plating, though it is a bit oxidized. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and the enamel is fully intact. The borders between the panels have lost their plating, and the brass shows a lovely \"mustard\" patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade of this example is in excellent condition, with the strengthened ricasso, showing only very light wear with a bit of staining near the edge, which looks to have been sharpened a bit long ago. The factory final polish grind cross grain is present throughout the blade, and can be seen in the light, though it is faint in areas due to runner wear. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. Definitely a great example of one of these, which often have the blades quite worn down from use in service, and afterwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the blade is stamped with the trademark \"Knight's Helmet\" (\u003cem\u003eRitter-helm\u003c\/em\u003e) logo of legendary maker \u003cem\u003eWeyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie Waffenfabrik of Solingen\u003c\/em\u003e, later rebranded as WKC Waffenfabrik:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Knight's Helmet)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW K C\u003cbr\u003eSOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work \u003cem\u003eGERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums, and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It was then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvove the trademark logo is the additional marking \u003cstrong\u003e(RZM) M7\/42 1938\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating 1936 manufacture by WKC. The \u003cem\u003eReichszeugmeisterei\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eM7\u003c\/strong\u003e in the code stands for knives\/daggers, with \u003cem\u003eWKC Waffenfabrik\u003c\/em\u003e being contractor number \u003cstrong\u003e42\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, and still retains over 95% of the original black enamel finish. The texture of the rolled steel body can still be seen, and where the paint has flaked, we can see that the steel still has the original purple \/ blue color. There is some checking and flaking to the paint, but it really is in great shape, as is the black leather belt hanger, which is fully intact. The finish on the leather is great, and the securing strap snap is fully functional. This is a great example of an HJ Scabbard which fits the knife perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a legendary Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 5 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Knife\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 9 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 1 7\/8”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 5 7\/8” with belt loop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAH 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42502351192133,"sku":"ONSV25IDS010","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25IDS010__01.jpg?v=1741803279","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-1938-dated-transitional-hj-knife-with-motto-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-with-scabbard-rzm-m7-42","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}