Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), made right at the start of WWII and marked on the blade with RZM code of the rare Solingen-based firm of C. Gustav Spitzer AG. This HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a zinc alloy base. The plating still remains in very nice condition, with about 75% still present, showing only a bit of wear through. There is however a good amount of bubbling and oxidation on the plating itself.

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 plated steel 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 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 easily seen in the light. 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.

The raised ricasso is stamped with the (RZM) logo next to maker code M7/80 over a 40 date. This marking indicates the dagger was made in 1940 by RZM Dagger contractor "80", which records show is the rare maker C. Gustav Spitzer AG, Stahwaren-Fabrik (Steelware Factory), of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1863 by Carl Gustav Spitzer, and later registered in Solingen in 1883. It made pocket, sporting, and hunting knives, and by 1928 was owned by Ernst Spitzer. They manufactured several different types of knives during the war, including specifically early SA daggers bearing their lion trademark, and later daggers and HJ knives with their RZM number M7 / 80.

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 80 stands for firm C. Gustav Spitzer AG, 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 some checking and crazing, confirming the age. The finish looks to have flaked off on much of the back and some of the front, which allowed the scabbard body to oxidize. This was later cleaned away somewhat, and we can see the scratches from this. The leather belt loop hanger is still present, but in somewhat delicate condition, with some dry rot on the leather and a few areas that are close to being torn through. The securing strap is still present, with a functional snap.

A very nice 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!