Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition early HJ National Youth Organization Fahrtenmesser (trip knife), marked on the blade by rare maker Hugo Köller of Solingen. This is the first item of any type that we have had by this maker. This early HJ Knife is a nice service used example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating shows some wear, particularly around the pommel from the securing strap, but there is still about 75% intact. It also has a lovely overlapping H R monogram on the bottom of the pommel, which is very well executed!

The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present on the blade, but definitely faint, and only can get seen under the right light, which unfortunately has made it impossible to capture with flash photography.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by by solid nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is in good condition, having taken a hit at some point, which cracked the red translucent enamel on one of the panels. The other panels are still in great shape, and much of the original plating is still intact. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good shape, showing wear from use and cleaning but not displaying any major pitting or edge damage. As is typical of the early period up until 1936, it has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. The blade has traces of the original crossgrain on the blade body and an intact tip. The blade is currently relatively dull from use and cleaning.

On the reverse the blade is is the "Eagle clasping a straight razor and table knife" trademark logo of Hugo Köller Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. To the right of this is the company address logo:

This company, originally founded in 1861 and registered with Solingen authorities in 1894, was known mainly for kitchen knives, pocket knives, and other hardware. They were listed as a maker of HJ knives by Die Klinge in the late 1930s. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter, pages 344-345.

The design is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT, which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original blade buffer is present and in good condition, showing wear from use and age.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, originally issued with a black enamel finish. This is now heavily worn, and probably only about 25% remains, mostly on the reverse of the scabbard. There is a nice gray oxidized patina where the paint is missing, giving it a great service worn look. The leather belt hanger is present, but worn, showing a lot of finish loss, and both ends of the securing strap have torn off.

A lovely service used example of an HJ knife by a rare maker with some a great personalized hilt, ready for further research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 5/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8”

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!