Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the classic later pattern HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. It was produced by the desirable maker E. & F. Hörster & Co Gmbh, a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which marketed many fine edged weapons. Originally founded in 1850 as "Friedrich Hörster" in 1850, the company was renamed to E. & F. Hörster in 1870 at the behest of Friedrich Emil & Fritz Hörster. The firm lasted long after WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter. It comes complete with its original scabbard, which still retains the original leather belt strap and securing loop.

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 hilt of this example is nickel plated zinc alloy, and the original finish is very well retained, except where the retaining strap wore through it. There is some light oxidation and a few small flakes of plating missing, but overall it is one of the best we have seen recently. 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. The HJ grip insignia is in good shape, but definitely took a hit close to the blade side, which has resulted in loss of some of the white enamel in that area. Otherwise the other three panels are still perfect, and the borders show a lovely brass patina. The insignia is a bit sunken in and slightly loose in the grips, caused by the bakelite shrinking over the years, which also confirms authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, still showing most of the original factory final grind cross grain. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is a bit of runner wear, and signs of past sharpening, with signs of light use. The edge is now somewhat dull, but could easily be returned to sharpness. The reverse of the blade is stamped on the ricasso with an ((RZM)) circle next to faint code M7 / 36. It looks like the marking was struck unevenly, but close comparison of the specific shape of the "3" in the marking, as well as other mis-struck examples from the same maker, makes us certain of our reading. The original leather blade buffer is still in place against the cross guard.

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 E. & F. Hörster of Solingen of Solingen being contractor number 36.

The scabbard is in good condition, with the steel shell showing just a bit of denting, however the original black enamel finish has almost completely worn away on the outer side of the scabbard. It now shows a lightly oxidized steel patina, while the reverse of the scabbard still retains about 75% of the enamel, with crazing an checking consistent with age. The black leather belt loop is fully intact, still supple and has a functional securing strap.

A lovely late pattern German WWII HJ Knife from a desirable Solingen maker! Ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 5 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife.
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8"
Scabbard Length: 5 3/4”

HJ believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (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 (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!