Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), made during the early war period and marked on the blade with RZM code of desirable maker Robert Klaas, Feine Solingen Stahlwaren of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a nice service used example of the type, with a handle that was originally nickel-plated over a zinc alloy base, which is retained at about 50%, showing wear through on the pommel area from the securing strap. There is also overall oxidation from use and age.

These knives were given to boys who were educated in the paramilitary organization, and some former HJ members may have continued to carry these knives after entering military service, although there is no evidence establishing such use for this example. Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. They also do not have the HJ motto etched on the blade, and often are marked not with a maker, but a German RZM Code, such as this example.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition, retained by aluminum rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is some wear to the checkering on the grips, and there is chipping on the spine side of the grips, which is worse on the "right" grip. The HJ insignia is in very good condition showing overall wear from service, with the enamel almost fully intact, though the red is actually opaque, not translucent as we usually see. The plating on the insignia is still partially present, while the rest has oxidized. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is somewhat loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example somewhat heavily worn, and has been sharpened multiple times. The shape of the blade is somewhat narrowed due to this, and the tip a bit more rounded than usual. There are marks from cleaning on both sides of the blade, and a few nicks on the edge. A nice "salty" example that looks to have seen long use.

The blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with the (RZM) mark to the left of maker designation M7/37 over a 1939 date. This indicates manufacture by Robert Klaas, Feine Solingen Stahlwaren (Fine Solingen Steelware), is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons. The company was originally founded by Friedrich Robert Klaas, who married the daughter of knife maker Peter Daniel Pauls. After his father-in-law passed away, all was left to Klaas and his wife, so he merged his scissor business with the knife business, and registered with Solingen authorities in 1869. The company passed to his sons, and then his son-in-law. It survived WWI, WWII, and still exists today, per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM regulated the manufacture and distribution of NSDAP uniforms, insignia, equipment, and related party items, ensuring the 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 37 stands for firm Robert Klaas, a maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, dent free and still retaining about 75% of the original factory enamel. It shows age checking and crazing, confirming the age, and areas where it has worn away have allowed the steel to oxidize. The belt loop is present, but in delicate condition, showing dry rot and finish degradation throughout. The securing strap is still present, with a functional snap, though the cap of the "female" side is missing. There is also an added piece of metal near the rivets to keep it attached.

This 1939-dated HJ Fahrtenmesser retains its RZM M7/37 marking for Robert Klaas, checkered Bakelite grip plates, enameled grip insignia, and original-style black scabbard with leather belt loop and securing strap. The knife shows substantial age and use, with approximately half of the hilt plating remaining, oxidation to the exposed base metal, chipped grip edges, and a blade that has been repeatedly sharpened, narrowed, and rounded at the tip. The scabbard retains approximately 75% of its enamel finish, while the leather hanger is dry and fragile, and the securing strap has a missing snap cap and an added metal reinforcement near the rivets. Despite these condition issues, it remains a substantially complete, clearly maker-coded example with a cohesive service-worn appearance.

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

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!