German WWII Hitler Youth Knife by Hartkopf & Co w/Motto-This is a nice example of an early transitional HJ knife. This was made under contract to Hartkopf & Co. of Solingen. You can see both the logo and the RZM number M7/40 and the date 1936. The finish on the fittings is 85% in place. The checkered grip plates and enameled diamond are very good. The diamond shows a small chip on the upper right corner, but this is most obvious with the glass and not with the naked eye. The original paint on the scabbard is 90% intact and looks terrific. The leather buffer is in place under the crossguard. The marked blade looks very good. The Hartkopf & Co logo, name plus RZM can be seen on one side, with a nice clear motto on the other. The “Blut und Ehre” is present and readable. The black retaining strap is present and is in very good shape. This is a very nice HJ dagger.
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. Manufacture of these knives is believed to have ceased around 1942. All HJ knives have the diamond emblem of the Hitler Youth on the handle.
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