Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII silver plated steel scabbard for the HJ National Youth Association Dolch für Führer, or Leader Dagger. Intended for use with the distinctive dagger worn by members of the HJ leadership corps, this is a scarce component in its own right and displays the characteristic early HJ eagle, sword, and hammer insignia together with rope bordered fittings and twin suspension rings. We have previously had only one complete dagger and scabbard set of this type available, making this loose scabbard an especially interesting opportunity for the advanced HJ edged weapons collector.

Scabbards for the HJ Leader Dagger are encountered in both all steel and partially leather covered forms. This example is the all steel pattern, with decorative pebbled panels between the raised rope borders and smooth narrow sides reminiscent of those seen on Heer officer dagger scabbards. The alternate pattern used Moroccan leather covering in these same panel areas.

The upper fitting incorporates the distinctive early HJ emblem depicting an eagle holding a sword and hammer, with a raised rope border beneath. The center suspension band and lower drag repeat the same rope border motif, giving the scabbard a highly decorative and immediately recognizable appearance.

The steel body is fully silver plated. Much of the finish has developed an attractive dark tarnish and aged patina, while other areas remain somewhat brighter. The surface shows only light storage wear, and importantly, the body remains straight and free from dents or bends.

The scabbard is fitted with two suspension bands and plated steel carrying rings. The ring ferrules are the distinctive double serrated type and remain well defined. The throat is secured by a single flush mounted screw.

Overall condition is very good. The silver plated finish has aged naturally and attractively, with a pleasing contrast between darker tarnished areas and brighter surviving surfaces. The scabbard has not been cleaned or restored, preserving the untouched appearance and patina developed over decades.

For the collector of HJ edged weapons, leadership insignia, or German WWII dagger components, this is a particularly desirable standalone scabbard. Its all steel construction, original silver plating, early HJ eagle with sword and hammer motif, matching rope bordered fittings, twin suspension rings, straight dent free body, and untouched aged finish give it excellent display value as well as obvious potential for completing an original HJ Leader Dagger.

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!