{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-service-worn-late-pattern-hj-knife-with-scabbard-markings-worn-away","title":"Original German WWII Service Used Late Pattern HJ Knife with Scabbard - Markings Worn Away","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service used example of the classic later pattern HJ \u003cem\u003efahrtenmesser\u003c\/em\u003e (trip knife), complete with its original scabbard. Much of the wear on the knife is actually on the blade, which has been sharpened and cleaned multiple times. This has unfortunately removed the maker mark, which was most likely an etched RZM code, easily removed. It is possible that there was also the HJ Motto on the other side, but most likely this later pattern knife never had one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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, which in this case was worn away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plating on the zinc alloy hilt probably retained at about 75%, with wear from the securing strap, on both sides, and some bubbling around the pommel. There is also some wear through on the lower grip area. The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, showing some light wear, and are retained by plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, which show plating loss and light oxidation. The HJ insignia is in good condition with the enamel nearly 100% intact, showing very little damage or wear, just some staining underneath. The plating is worn away leaving a lovely oxidized brass patina on the borders, with verdigris around the edges. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the emblem on this example is loose, confirming authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe 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 on 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 original leather blade buffer is still present, though worn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe scabbard is in very good condition, with no dents in the rolled steel shell, and about 75% of the original black enamel finish retained overall. There is more missing on the front side, which now shows the underlying steel shell, which has oxidized. There is also crazing and checking in the remaining enamel, confirming the age. The original leather belt loop is complete and intact, however the leather is definitely a bit stiff with some cracking, so it should be handled with care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely service used late pattern German WWII HJ Knife with a worn away make mark, complete with a very nice scabbard. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: 5 1\/2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Knife.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall length: 9 5\/8”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrossguard: 1 7\/8\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScabbard Length: 5 3\/4”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHJ believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (\u003cem\u003ejugend\u003c\/em\u003e) 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 (\u003cem\u003ejugend\u003c\/em\u003e) and girls (\u003cem\u003eBund Deutscher Mädel\u003c\/em\u003e) 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, \u003cem\u003eBlut und Ehre!\u003c\/em\u003e (Blood and Honor!). Examples produced after this date were made with plain blades usually bearing an RZM marking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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, \u003cem\u003eBlut und Ehre!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41167524659269,"sku":"ONSV24SOS223","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24SOS223__01.jpg?v=1711028914","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-service-worn-late-pattern-hj-knife-with-scabbard-markings-worn-away","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}