Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used early-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the trademark logo and RZM code of rare maker Carl Wüsthof of Solingen. This is definitely a transitional period knife, with characteristics of both the early and later pattern. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel plated over a zinc alloy base, which now retains the plating at about 60%. It is worn away on both sides of the pommel from the securing strap, and there is also a good amount missing from the end of the crossguard. There is some bubbling and flaking to the remaining plating, giving it a great broken in look.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. We do not see any signs of the acid-etched "Blut und Ehre!" (Blood and Honor!) motto, however due to the wear on the blade it would have been obliterated anyway.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in good condition, retained by plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, though the plating has mostly worn away. They do show wear, and both sides have cracks running to the cross guard through the upper rivet, which also extends to the insignia on the obverse. The HJ insignia itself has fully intact enamel, which shows some wear from service, but no cracking or chipping. The borders have lost their original nickel plating, now displaying a lovely "mustard" patina with a bit of verdigris. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good service used condition, with the strengthened ricasso, however it definitely has seen a good amount of use and cleaning. This has completely removed the original factory final polish grind crossgrain on both sides, and we can also see past scratches and oxidation that has now been polished bright. The shape of the blade has been altered a bit due to sharpening, and we can also see that the very tip broke off at some point. The blade is 5 1/4" long, so it has lost at least 1/4" in length from sharpening. The leather blade buffer is still present, but worn.

The reverse of the blade "man pole vaulting a ditch" logo, known as the "Springer", with the maker name and address to the right:-

CARL WÜSTHOF
GLADIATORWERK
SOLINGEN

The blade is further marked on the reverse ricasso with the RZM Designation ((RZM)) M7 / 112. The transition to the RZM system occurred in 1938-39, so there are knives from various makers that are both maker and RZM marked from this period. Carl Wüsthof KG, Gladiatorwerk (Gladiator works) is a rarely seen maker from Solingen, Germany, a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the company was founded in 1895 by one of the branches of the Wüsthof family. They were a known maker of SA daggers during the war, first with the oval "losenge" trademark, and then with RZM number M7/112 along with the trademark. They also made all types of cutlery through both World Wars, and operated into the 21st century.

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 112 stands for firm Carl Wüsthof, a maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, steel that was originally coated with black enamel paint, which is now almost completely worn away, with just a bit retained around the hanger on the back. Most of the surface shows a lovely lightly oxidized patina, with no major oxidation or pit rust present. The original brown leather belt loop and securing strap are present and functional, though the leather is a bit delicate.

A lovely service used HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a rare Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

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

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!