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 trademark logo and RZM code of desirable maker Carl & Robert Linder, Stahlwarenfabrik of Solingen-Weyer. 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 steel base. Much of the plating still remains, probably 70%, with the right side missing a lot.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. However, acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible, though alterations to the blade have made the bottom portion hard to read. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, so this was made during the change over during the 1936-37 period.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and with the enamel fully intact. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example, steel with a lovely worn blued finish. There are a few dents, but this really is a great example of a scabbard body.  The leather hanger and belt loop are still present, and in nice supple condition. The retainer loop is also present, complete with a functioning snap, and overall this scabbard is one of the better examples that we've seen in recent years.

The blade of this example is solid, with the strengthened ricasso, however it has been altered significantly from the original shape due to repeated sharpening of the edge. It may have suffered damage at some point, or was simply used a lot, but probably 20% of the blade area is now missing. This looks to be a knife that saw extensive use during the WWII period.

The reverse of the blade marked with the "Hook Bladed Knife" trademark of the C. & R. Linder firm, and surrounding the trademark is:

Carl & Robert Linder, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was an edged weapon maker located in the Weyer area of the Wald borough of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Founded by the Linder brothers in 1842, it was later registered in june 1902. The factory was located at Weyerstrasse 186 in 1939, and the company continued after the war, finally being dissolved in 1974. The company was known for making pocket knives, which made it the perfect contractor to make HJ knives. They also made SA and NSKK daggers during the war. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

To the left of the trademark logo is the additional marking (RZM) over M7/15. 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 15 stands for firm C. & R. Linder, a maker from the Weyer area in the Wald borough of Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. 

A very nice service used 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 1/2"
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!