Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Mid-war production HJ Knife (HJ knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of famed maker Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in nice condition, with over 90% still, with a bit of light peppering. Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. There is no 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 logo.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in perfect condition, retained by nickel-plated rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in good condition, and unfortunately looks to have been damaged, as about 40% of the enamel is missing in the red and white panels. These were used in the field by their owners, so damage like this is not uncommon.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with a the standard black enamel finish. There is crazing and checking, as expected, and areas of wear through, particularly on the back. However there are only a few small dents, and it presents very nicely. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, though the finish is somewhat worn. The retainer loop is intact and has a good working snap, though it has some light cracking from age, with an intact belt loop.

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 several times, however not excessively, and there are no maker edge issues. It is still relatively sharp. On the reverse the blade is marked with both the Carl Eickhorn "Squirrel" trademark and the RZM designation:

There is also a number 41 on the ricasso, but we do not know if this is a date, or just an issue number. The transition to the RZM system occurred in 1938-39, so it is unlikely this is a date.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, 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 66 stands for firm Carl Eickhorn, a legendary 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, though it is somewhat worn.

A wonderful HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a famous 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!