Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition early HJ Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), made by the legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (WKC), Waffenfabrik GmbH of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, showing honest period wear and oxidation to the knife. The plating on the steel hilt is still mostly present, retained at about 75%, with wear from the securing strap on the scabbard belt loop.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The only issue we noted is material missing around the upper rivet on the left side. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with the enamel fully intact, showing just a bit of scratching and wear. The plating is worn away leaving a lovely oxidized brass patina on the borders. 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 is in very good condition, 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 fully present and visible in the light, with little to none of the original factory darkening still present. It has seen long service, and the original factory cross grain is completely gone, due to repeated cleaning. The knife has been sharpened several times, however it still retains the original shape, though it is a bit thinner in profile.

The reverse of the blade is stamped with the trademark "Knight's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) over W K C / SOLINGEN logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making.

Per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT stamped above the trademark logo, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is missing.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in very good condition. The rolled steel body is still straight and undented, with the original factory black enamel retained at over 85%, with more missing on the front. There is a lovely pattern of crazing and checking in the finish, which has flaked away in some small areas on the front, allowing the steel to oxidize. There is still an intact belt loop, with the leather in great shape and a fully functional securing strap. The rear of the belt loop is marked with L.F.S. on top of an Oak Leaf, a known but unidentified maker marking seen on the belt loops HJ knives from many different makers.

A very good service used early pattern HJ Knife and scabbard, made by a legendary Solingen maker! Ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 1/2”
Crossguard: 2”
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!