Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ Fahrtenmesser (trip knife) manufactured by Anton Wingen Jr., Stahlwarenfabrik of Solingen. A solid example of the early pattern, the knife features a nickel-plated steel hilt and retains approximately 80% of its original plating. The remaining finish is in very good condition overall, with light wear and areas of plating loss along the edges and where the scabbard retaining strap contacted the handle.

The closely checkered Bakelite grip plates remain in very good condition and are secured by solid nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. Wear to the checkering indicates that the knife saw a considerable amount of use. The grip plates have also contracted slightly over the decades, causing the HJ insignia to project above the grip surface. This left the insignia more vulnerable to bending and damage. The insignia appears to retain its original white enamel, while the red enamel was repainted after the war.

The blade shows moderate use and exhibits the characteristics associated with early production through approximately 1936. It has the earlier thin blade profile, without a raised ricasso or RZM markings. The blade appears to have previously shown staining and scattered peppering that were later cleaned away. It is now bright overall, although the cleaning has removed most of the original factory final-polish cross-grain finish, leaving only faint traces visible across portions of the blade. Original cross-graining is an important characteristic collectors examine when evaluating German WWII edged weapons.

The acid-etched Blut und Ehre! ("Blood and Honor!") motto remains visible but is worn and difficult to see except under favorable lighting. The original factory darkening has been completely removed, and the leather blade buffer washer is also missing. The blade has been sharpened and remains quite sharp, so it should be handled with care.

The reverse of the blade bears the Anton Wingen Jr. "Standing Knight" trademark:

A. W. JR
(Trademark)
SOLINGEN

Anton Wingen Jun., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was founded in Solingen, Germany, in 1888 and was formally registered in late 1901. The company became well known during WWI for its quality hunting and combat knives, which were popular among troops. Wingen acquired the "Knight" trademark from Clauberg in 1920 and continued using it throughout the Third Reich period. According to J. Anthony Carter's reference work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the definitive reference work on German edged-weapon manufacturers and their trademarks, this particular variation of the trademark was used on smaller knives, including HJ knives. The company continued operating well after WWII and ultimately closed in 1997.

The knife design was legally protected in Germany, as indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT marking stamped beneath the trademark. This is an abbreviation of Gesetzlich Geschützt, meaning "Protected by Law."

The scabbard has the typical tapered steel body and remains free of dents. It retains approximately 80% of its original black enamel finish. The surviving enamel displays an attractive age-related pattern of checking and crazing, while exposed areas where the finish has worn away show oxidation. We also noted that the rivet securing the internal blade runner has separated. The runner remains inside the scabbard and has settled near the bottom, but will fall out if the scabbard is inverted. The leather belt loop is present and remains supple, with an intact securing strap and only minor wear. The front of the belt loop is faintly embossed with the LFS "leaf" trademark, a marking often encountered on HJ knife scabbards.

Despite its honest signs of use and previous blade cleaning, this remains an appealing early motto-marked HJ knife by Anton Wingen Jr. The scarce maker marking, surviving Blut und Ehre! motto, well-retained hilt plating, and largely complete original scabbard give the example considerable collector interest.

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 1/2”
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4”

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!