Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of the classic later pattern HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. It was produced by the maker Arthur Evertz, based in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany.
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.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, showing moderate use, and no major rust or other damage. There is just a bit of light staining, as well as some marks from the runner and cleaning. It does not look to have been sharpened much at all during service, and the leather blade buffer is still present and in good shape. This example is however a bit interesting, in that while it is the later pattern, it is marked with both an RZM marking as well as the maker's trademark marking. The reverse ricasso of the blade is stamped with the ((RZM)) marking, with M7 / 85 to the right of AE/S in a square.

This marking is to the right of the trademark "Square" logo for the firm Artur Everetz,
a small company that also made high quality SA and NSKK daggers.

The hilt of this example is plated zinc alloy, and the plating is retained at about 75%, with wear and areas of flaking and loss overall. The grip plates are the black checkered bakelite variety and are in very good condition, with light wear, and definitely no cracking. They are retained by plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, which show light oxidation. The HJ grip insignia has full enamel with only light wear, though the brass borders are quite dark. It is loose in the grips, caused by the bakelite shrinking over the years, which also confirms authenticity.

The scabbard on this example is in great shape, with almost all of the finish retained, and no dents we can see. There is some crazing and checking on the rear, but only a small amount. The original leather belt loop is intact, as is the securing loop, and the black finish is well retained.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, 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, with Arthur Evertz of Solingen being contractor number 85.

A very nice example of a lightly used HJ knife by a well-known Solingen maker, complete with a great scabbard! Ready to display!

Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/4”
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 6” + Belt Frog