Item:
ONSV22TGA37

Original German WWII Polished Early HJ Knife by Rare Maker Carl Heidelberg of Solingen with Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early HJ Knife (HJ knife) marked on the blade by blade by the rare maker Carl Heidelberg, Stahlwarenfabrik of Solingen. This early HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, however at some point recently an overly enthusiastic collector fully polished all of the metal surfaces of the blade, removing all plating from the hilt, and any traces of the original Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) motto that this example almost surely had. This has given it a bright polished appearance, which is rather striking.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by solid nickel alloy rivets with dressed obverse heads. There is a crack on the rear side running from the upper rivet to the crossguard. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel almost fully intact. There is however some oxidation under the enamel where it has some chips. It looks like the insignia became loose and glue was used to stabilize it at one point.

The blade of this example is in good condition, and is typical of the early period up until 1936. It has a thinner blade with no raised ricasso, and also no RZM codes. There are some faint traces of the original factory final grind crossgrain near the crossguard, but the rest of the surface is now polished bright. The main edge is somewhat sharp, while the tip is a bit more blunt due to wear and cleaning.

On the reverse the blade is marked with the "two wine bottle" trademark logo in a circle to the left of:

CARL HEIDELBERG
SOLINGEN

There is also GES. GESCHÜTZT marking to the right, perpendicular to the maker name. Carl Heidelberg, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelwares Factory) was located in the Gräfrath borough of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. They utilized the trademark of two wine or champagne bottles, sometimes marked "Schwarz" and "Weiss", and were a known maker of early HJ knives, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the GES. GESCHÜTZT., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is unfortunately missing.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, and in fantastic condition. The original black enamel paint is retained at over 95%, with only minor chipping and crazing. We've rarely seen them better than this. The leather belt loop is present, and in solid condition, with an intact securing strap with a working snap. There is just a bit of cracking to the leather finish.

A wonderful HJ Knife with a very nice early pattern blade in great polished condition!

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!

  • This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cash For Collectibles