Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice transitional HJ Knife, marked on the blade by maker Ed. Wüsthof, Dreizackwerk (Trident Works) of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in excellent condition, with about 90% still intact and shiny. The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and legible in the light, but all of the original dark etched finish has been removed by cleaning and runner wear.
The Bakelite grip plates on this example were replaced sometime post war, with new aluminum rivets installed. They did however keep and reuse the original HJ insignia, which is in very good condition with worn away plating, and with the enamel mostly intact. The replacement grips themselves look to be relatively old, and one has a crack running almost all the way through it.
The scabbard shell is a typical tapered example, and has a lovely shape with minimal dents. It does look to have been repainted, probably at the same time that the grips were replaced, so the finish is in very good condition. The leather belt loop is intact, though it is somewhat delicate, and the retaining strap has a lot of cracking through the finish.
The blade of this example is solid, and is typical of the 1936-1937 transitional period. It has the raised reinforced ricasso of the later style knives, but still has the motto and a makers mark, with no RZM codes. The blade has traces of the original crossgrain on the blade body and an intact tip. The blade definitely saw use in service, as it has been sharpened several times, and has been polished a bit to remove oxidation. However it still has the great look of an honest used knife, and the blade is currently quite sharp, though the leading edge is a bit blunt. On the reverse the blade is marked:
ED. WÜSTHOF
SOLINGEN
(TRIDENT LOGO)
GES. GESCH.
The "Trident in a Circle" is a trademark used by Ed. Wüsthof, Dreizackwerk (Trident Works), located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. During the WWII Period they manufactured many HJ Knives, both with their trademark and later with the RZM code M7/19. The firm was founded in 1814 by Johan Wilhelm Wüsthof, and recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. It is one of the premier mid-sized cutlery companies in Germany today. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.
The design of the knife is registered with the German trademark office, indicated by the Ges. Gesch., which is short for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected by Law). The original leather blade buffer is in place, though it is somewhat worn.
A very nice attractively priced HJ knife, ready to add to your collection!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 1/2”
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!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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