{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-early-motto-marked-hj-knife-by-weyersberg-kirschbaum-cie-of-solingen-with-scabbard-1","title":"Original German WWII Early Motto Marked HJ Knife by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026 Cie of Solingen with Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition early HJ \u003cem\u003eFahrtenmesser\u003c\/em\u003e (trip knife), made by the legendary maker \u003cem\u003eWeyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie (WKC), Waffenfabrik GmbH\u003c\/em\u003e 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, with just a few areas of wear through and light oxidation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. Unfortunately there is a chip in the bakelite just below the crossguard. The HJ insignia is also in good condition with the enamel about 75 percent intact with a piece of the top section cracked and missing. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade of this example is in good condition, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. The acid-etched motto \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlut und Ehre!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e (Blood and Honor!) is fully present and relatively easy to see, with little to none of the original factory darkening still present. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. It has seen long service, and the original factory cross grain is completely gone, replaced by an oxidized patina. The knife has been sharpened several times, however it still retains the original shape, though it is a bit thinner in profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ricasso is stamped with the trademark \u003cstrong\u003e\"Knight's Helmet\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Ritter-helm) over \u003cstrong\u003eW K C \/ SOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e logo of legendary maker \u003cem\u003eWeyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie of Solingen\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePer J. Anthony Carter’s work \u003cem\u003eGERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the \u003cstrong\u003eGES. GESCHÜTZT\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped above the trademark logo, which is short for \u003cem\u003eGesetzlich Geschützt\u003c\/em\u003e (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is present, though it is worn and shrunken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard shell is the typical tapered example and is in very good service used condition. The rolled steel body is still straight and undented, with the original factory black enamel retained at about 75%, with more present on the reverse than the front. There is a lot of crazing and checking in the finish, which has flaked away in areas on the front, allowing the steel to oxidize. The leather belt loop is in delicate condition, and still retains the securing strap and snap, but the leather is definitely torn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice service used early pattern HJ Knife and scabbard, made by a legendary Solingen maker! Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 5 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Knife.\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 9 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 2”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 5 3\/4”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAH 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42636955516997,"sku":"ONJR25OL0018","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25OL0018__01.jpg?v=1744066635","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-early-motto-marked-hj-knife-by-weyersberg-kirschbaum-cie-of-solingen-with-scabbard-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}