Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the logo and RZM code of desirable maker F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik of Solingen. This is definitely a transitional period knife, with characteristics of both the early and later pattern. This HJ Knife is a great example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. Almost all of the original plating remains, with just a few scratches and flakes.

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 clearly legible, with much of the original darkened finish present. 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-plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with oxidation on the metal borders, 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 reverse of the blade is maker marked by F. W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN, a well-known edged weapon maker. F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. During the WWII Period they manufactured many SA and NSKK daggers, both with their "thermometer" trademark and later with the RZM code M7/33. They also produced numerous 98K bayonets and other edged weapons. The firm was founded in 1866, and registered in Solingen in 1883. By 1900 ownership had passed to Emil Höller, and it continued manufacture after WWII, finally closing in 1974. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

On the blade's reverse ricasso is the additional marking (RZM) over M7/33. 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 33 stands for firm F.W. Höller, a maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard on this example has the typical tapered profile and is in great shape, with almost all of the finish retained. There are a few chips and some checking and crazing, however there are no dents or major damage to the finish. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present, and in nice supple condition, though much of the black finish on the leather has unfortunately flaked away. The retainer loop is also present, complete with a functioning snap, which has much of the finish missing.

A fantastic barely used HJ Knife with scabbard from the transitional period, made by well-known 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!