Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice pre-WWII production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the HJ motto and RZM code of maker Anton Wingen Jr. of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a good example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in nice condition, with over 80% still, with a bit of wear through in areas on the side of the pommel

However, acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and clearly legible, with much of the original darkened finish present. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, but they were seen during the 1936-1937 changeover, so this is correct for a knife dated 1937 such as this.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in decent condition, retained by solid aluminum rivets with dressed obverse heads. It looks like the rivets were re-peened over due to looseness in the grips, but this unfortunately cracked the left grip scale from crossguard to pommel. It looks like there was a glued repair at some point. The HJ insignia is in very good condition, with the original enamel almost 100% retained and some minor oxidation underneath. The plating on the borders has worn away, leaving a lovely brass patina. 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 condition, with the strengthened ricasso, and a nice shape and edge. It has however been used extensively, and sharpened multiple times, which has reduced the size of the blade somewhat, probably about 1/4" of an inch. It is still relatively sharp, so please handle with care. There is still a leather blade buffer in place, but it may be a working life replacement, as it is much thicker than usually seen.

Rear of the blade is etched with the RZM Designation (RZM) M7 / 51 over a 1937 date, however there is no maker mark we can see. However due to the amount of wear on the blade, it is possible that it was etched on and wore away. Anton Wingen Jun., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was a cutler and metalsmith company first founded in Solingen, Germany in 1888, and was formally registered in late 1901. They first came to prominence during WWI with their high quality hunting and combat knives, which were popular with troops. They acquired the "Knight" logo from Clauberg in 1920, and continued using it through the Third Reich period. This particular trademark was the style of logo they used on smaller knives, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The company continued operation well after the war, finally closing in 1997.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), 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, contractor 51 stands for firm Anton Wingen Jr, a rare maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, which does not show any major dents, though for some reason the throat was removed at some point. It has the standard black enamel finish, which is retained at over 75%. There is just a bit of light crazing, and the original rolling marks on the metal can still be seen through the finish. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present and in good shape, with an intact and functional retaining strap.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/2”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” without 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!