Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely "salty" service worn example of the classic later pattern HJ fahrtenmesser (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. It was produced by the somewhat rare and enigmatic firm Carl Malsch-Spitzer, Messerfabrik (Knife Factory) of Steinbach Kreis Meiningen in Thuringia. This is the first example of a HJ knife we have had from this maker, and it is definitely one that looks like it went through a war!

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, however the original finish is almost completely gone. There is also wear to the alloy, which looks to have had the pommel slightly reshaped, possibly removing oxidized portions that had become sharp. The grip plates are the black checkered bakelite variety and definitely show wear. The left size grip has soiling and wear to the checkering, while the right side grip is cracked through the center around the insignia, with a chunk missing on the upper edge along the spine. They are retained by steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ grip insignia is in very good shape, still retaining almost all of the original enamel, with a lovely patina on the brass borders. It is loose in the grip due to the broken grip scale.

The blade of this example is in good service used condition, showing evidence of past cleaning and sharpening, typical for a knife that saw long use in service. It does not retain any of the original factory final grind cross grain, except maybe just a bit near the ricasso. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The edge is still relatively sharp, so handle with care.

The reverse ricasso of the blade is stamped with a double circle with RZM logo to the left of M7 / 91. This indicates manufacture by Carl Malsch-Spitzer, Messerfabrik (Knife Factory) of Steinbach Kreis Meiningen in Thuringia. This RZM code is often erroneously identified as Carl Spitzer of Malsch, but this is incorrect, as there is no such company. Also the Spitzer family of Knife makers was based in Solingen, not Malsch. According to GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter, the company manufactured SA and SS daggers during the third reich period, first using their Trademark logo, and later using the RZM code M7/91. The company continued after the war, but as of 2001 the factory stood empty. 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 Carl Malsch-Spitzer being contractor number 36.

The scabbard is in good service worn condition, showing a bit of denting, and the exterior finish is completely worn away. There is oxidation overall on the outside, and there is only a remnant of the original belt hanger loop.

A great 'salty" service worn late pattern German WWII HJ Knife from a rare 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!