Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service worn HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), most likely made during the early war period and marked on the blade with RZM code of the rare Solingen-based firm of Kuno Ritter, Stahlwarenfabrik. This HJ Knife is a nice "salty" example of the type, with a handle that was originally nickel-plated over a zinc alloy base, however the plating is now totally worn away, the metal showing oxidation from use.

These knives were given to boys who were educated in the paramilitary organization, which they often continued to carry into their military service, which this example certainly looks to have been. 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, such as this example.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition used, retained by nickel plated rivets with dressed obverse heads, which have lost their plating and show oxidation. There is wear to the checkering on the grips, and the left side has a hole where the grip took a blow, knocking in a chunk of the grip, which is now missing. The HJ insignia is in very good condition showing overall wear from service, with the enamel almost fully intact, though the red is actually opaque, not translucent as we usually see The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely gold patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is somewhat loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is rather heavily worn, showing overall past oxidation, now mostly cleaned away. It looks to have had the tip break off at some point, and has been sharpened heavily, which has modified the shape of the blade. It is not really leaf shaped anymore, and the edge is at present relatively blunt. A nice "salty" example that saw long use during the war most likely.

The reverse of the blade is stamped in the middle with the (RZM) logo over code M7/3 and date 1939. Due to the condition of the blade, these can be hard to see without a magnifier, but they are definitely there. This indicates manufacture by the rare maker Kuno Ritter, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware factory), a maker from the Gräfrath district of Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. This company was founded in 1932 and officially registered a year later, just as the NSDAP took power. The company was noted mostly for making hunting knives as well as SA daggers during the third reich period, but also did make some HJ knives. The company still exists today, making knives under its HUBERTUS brand name. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), 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, contractor 3 stands for firm Kuno Ritter, a rare maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, which shows heavy use in service, matching the condition of the knife well. There is still just a bit of the original black enamel finish present on the reverse, and we also did not note any dents in the scabbard body, just light overall oxidation. The belt loop is present, complete with a functional securing strap, though the leather does show wrinkling and deterioration. The upper rivet attaching the loop to the scabbard is also missing, though the scabbard runners are still present.

A very interesting service used HJ Knife from the wartime period, made by a rare Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
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!