Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service worn HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), made right before the start of WWII and marked on the blade with RZM code of the rare Solingen-based firm of Gebrüder Bell, Stahlwarenfabrik. This HJ Knife is a nice "salty" example of the type, with a handle that was originally nickel-plated over a zinc alloy base, however it is now only retained at about 10%, with the rest showing oxidation from use.

These knives were given to boys who were educated in the paramilitary organization, which they often continued to carry into their military service, which this example certainly looks to have been. 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, correct for a knife made in 1939 such as this one.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition used, retained by solid nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads, which now show oxidation. There is wear to the checkering on the grips, particularly on the right side. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition showing overall wear from service, with the enamel mostly intact, showing some oxidation of the pebbled background behind the translucent red panel towards the cross guard. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely gold patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is somewhat loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is rather heavily worn, showing overall oxidation and much chipping / bending to the edge from use. It looks like it was sharpened using some type of mechanical sharpener, which ended up removing a good amount of material, leaving a clear demarcation near the raised ricasso at an angle. It is still somewhat sharp, but the blade geometry has definitely been altered quite a bit from the original shape. A nice "salty" example that saw long use during the war most likely.

The reverse of the blade is stamped in the middle with the (RZM) logo over code M7/94 and date 1939. Due to the condition of the blade, these can be hard to see without a magnifier, but they are definitely there. This indicates 1939 manufacture Gebrüder Bell, Stahlwarenfabrik, a steelware firm located in the Gräfrath borough of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. This company was founded in 1876, and was owned by members of the Bell family. During the WWII Period it was owned by Ernst, Arthur, and Paul Bell. According to GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter, the company manufactured SA / NSKK daggers and HJ Knives during the third reich period, first using their Trademark logo, and later using the RZM code M7/94.

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 94 stands for firm Gebrüder Bell, a rare maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, which shows heavy use in service, matching the condition of the knife well. There are dents on the steel shell, particularly the front, and it has lost most of the original black enamel finish, now displaying an oxidized patina. The belt loop has torn off right at the rivets.

A very interesting service used 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 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/2”
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!