Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used early HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by maker Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co. of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a solid well broken in example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in very good condition, with about 90% still intact, showing just a bit of lifting and oxidation.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by solid rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel almost fully intact. The borders on the insignia have lost the original plating, and now have a lovely mustard colored patina with some verdigris around the edges. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is slightly loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example shows quite a bit if use, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is mostly present and relatively easy to see, with little to none of the original factory darkening still present due to wear and cleaning. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened and cleaned numerous times, reducing the length of the blade as well as changing the overall shape. It has the great look of an honest used knife that saw long service during the war, and possibly afterwards. The original blade buffer is missing, and the blade is a bit loose in the hilt.

The reverse of the blade marked with the "Left Facing Tiger" trademark of the Lauterjung & Co. firm, and to the right of the trademark is:

Lauterjung & Co., Tiger Stahlwaren- und Waffenfabrik is a famous manufacturer in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Their trademark was a Tiger, and their factory was thus often referred to as Tigerwerk (Tiger Works). The firm was founded in 1873 to make knives, scissors, and other steel ware, and survived until after the war. There were several different branches of the Lauterjung family involved in edged weapons, operating under different trade names to avoid confusion. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter. The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GESETZL. GESCHÜTZT., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law).

The scabbard shell the typical tapered steel example, which is still straight with no dents, however it definitely had the finish degrade a bit during service, and then was repainted. The repaint itself is now checked and flaking, so we believe this happened during the WWII period. The leather belt loop i still present, showing deterioration due to age and use. The leather is somewhat delicate, especially on the retaining strap, which has had some glue and tape repairs already.

A very nice HJ Knife with a well-used early pattern blade. Definitely some real history here!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/4”
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4” with 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!