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 P.D. Lüneschloss 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

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. However, as a "transitional" style knife, it still has the acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) present and clearly legible, with a bit 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 1936 such as this.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in very good condition, retained by solid nickel silver rivets with dressed obverse heads. They show only light wear and no cracking or other damage. The HJ insignia is in excellent condition, with the original enamel almost 100% retained and no oxidation present 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 still shows a bit of the original factory final grind crossgrain in areas. However it also does show signs of use, and has been cleaned and sharpened several times, which has slightly altered the blade shape and removed the darkening from the etched markings. At present it is somewhat dull. The original leather blade buffer is present and in very good shape.

Rear of the blade is etched with the RZM Designation (RZM) M7 / 14 over a 1936 date, and it does not appear that it was "double marked" with a maker logo. This is the RZM code for P.D. Lüneschloss, who did not produce many HJ knives during the NSDAP Period. This well-known company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss, and produced numerous edged weapons, both for domestic and foreign contracts. They manufactured many private purchase officer's swords and blades for the U.S. Civil war. During the Third Reich period, they mainly were known for producing SA, SS, and NSKK Daggers, as well as private purchase officers daggers and swords, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

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 14 stands for firm P.D. Lüneschloss, a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with a the standard black enamel finish, which is retained at over 95%. There is crazing and checking, as expected, however only some small areas of missing finish, and no dents that we can see. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, and is maker marked on the back with RZM L2/2604/39, a marking that unfortunately we have not been able to identify. The retainer loop is intact and has a good working snap, with an intact belt loop.

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 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/4”
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!