German WWII Hitler Youth Knife by Hartkopf-This is a nice RZM example. Untouched piece which retains 90% of it nickel plating on the hilt, combined with excellent checkered grip plates and beautiful enameled HJ diamond. The enamel shows no scuffing and remains nice and tight to the handle. The scabbard is in very good condition but be aware that this has been REPAINTED. The blade has sharpening marks on both the obverse and the reverse and sharpening to the edge. There is some pitting on the blade, just under the crossguard. There are also some spots so let’s call the blade very good for its age. The RZM number M7/40 can be seen just under the cross guard. This was the code assigned to Hartkopf. The black leather retaining strap is in place and also very good. Priced to sell.
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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.