Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), made right at the start of WWII and marked on the blade with 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 in areas on the side of the pommel and on the cross guard, which have oxidized.

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. 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 1940 such as this one.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by zinc alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is just a bit of scratching and light wear, on one side, probably from the retaining strap. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and has the enamel fully intact. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely dark 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 service used condition, with the strengthened ricasso, and no signs of major damage or oxidation. It does show signs of use and having been sharpened multiple times, giving it less of a "leaf" shape and more of a spear point shape. The edge is relatively dull at present, and the leather blade buffer is still in place, showing wear from service.

Rear of the blade is etched with the RZM Designation ((RZM)) M7 / 51 / 40, with no maker mark that we can see. 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. 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, which does not show any major dents, retaining the standard black enamel finish at about 60%. This does show a good amount of bubbling, checking, and other age related issues, showing that it has not been refinished in the past. There is also a good amount of surface rust where the finish has flaked off. The leather belt loop hanger is still present, but in delicate condition, with only remnants of the securing strap present.

A very nice 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 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/4”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” + 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!