Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the logo and RZM code of a rare maker  C. Lütters & Co., Löwenwerk, of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over an alloy base. The plating still remains in nice condition, with over 80% still, with a bit of peppering.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. There is no visible acid etched motto on the blade, but it is possible that it was removed during use and polishing. We have seen blades with only the RZM mark that still have the motto.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very nice condition, retained by nickel-plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is in excellent condition, with the original enamel almost 100% retained, and the original silver plating now bearing a lovely tarnished patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is solid, with the strengthened ricasso, and a nice shape and edge. The blade has some of the original crossgrain near the hilt and an intact tip. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened, however not excessively, and the blade has not been shortened. On the reverse the blade is marked with both the C. Lütters & Co trademark and the RZM designation:

The transition to the RZM system occurred in 1938-39, so this is considered a transitional knife from just before or during the outbreak of World War Two. Carl Lütters founded this company in 1840, which was then officially registered with Solingen authorities in 1862. They started out making all manner of edged items and tools, such as pen knives, pocket knives, gardening knives, scissors etc.. By 1922 they had started specializing mostly in pocket knives, and in 1930 started using the Löwenwerk (Lion Works) name. The company mostly made HJ knives during WWII, but also made early SA daggers, per J. Anthony Carter's GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), or RZM, was 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, contractor 59 stands for firm C. Lütters & Co a small maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which marketed many fine edged weapons. The original leather blade buffer is in place, showing just a bit of wear on the edge

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with a the standard black enamel finish, which is retained at over 90%. There is crazing and checking, as expected, however only some small areas of missing finish, and no dents that we can see. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, though the black finish is somewhat worn, showing the original brown finish. The retainer loop is intact and has a good working snap, with an intact belt loop.

A wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a hard to find Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/4”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” with belt loop

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!