German WWII Hitler Youth Dagger by Arthur Schüttelhöfer-This is a late model HJ dagger. The zinc hilt and crossguard has lost the majority of their silver finish. Unfortunately, as you know this is what happens when zinc “eats” that nickel silverplated finish. You’ve seen this happen on many medals that are offered on the internet. The zinc has toned to a nice matte light gray color. The checkered grip plates and Hitler Youth enameled diamond are gorgeous. The diamond is scuff free and excellent. It is a nice tight fit to the handle. The leather buffer is in place under the crossguard. The scabbard retains approx. 60% of its original black paint. The remaining steel has a light coat of rust, giving this a brown color in spots. Please be sure to look at the photos. The blade is very good, and is NOT sharpened at all, which is pretty unusual for HJ knives! There is no motto on this blade, but it is nicely maker marked on the reverse with RZM M7/13, for Arthur Schüttelhöfer & Co. The black retaining strap is present but has been broken just next to the snap. Please see photos. Overall, this is in very good condition and is a nice addition.
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History: The Hitler Youth Knife (Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser) was introduced in the summer of 1933, shortly after the NSDAP seizure of power in Germany. It was produced by a multitude of manufacturers and could be purchased from authorized shops for a price of 4 Reichsmarks. It was used not only as a dress sidearm, but as a functional camping tool, and these were commonly sharpened by their original owners. The earliest examples bore the motto of the Hitler Youth, “Blut und Ehre!” (Blood and Honor), etched on the blade. The blades on these early knives were marked with commercial manufacturer logos. They had nickel silver handles, and anodized metal scabbards. The use of the etched motto was discontinued in August 1938. Later HJ knives had nickel plated steel handles, painted scabbards, and the maker logos were replaced with an RZM code along with the year of manufacture. There are also transitional types that still have the etched motto but have dates on the blade ricasso. The manufacturing of these knives is believed to have ceased around 1942. All HJ knives have the diamond emblem of the Hitler Youth on the handle.