German WWII HJ Knife-This is a transitional example. This HJ dagger is in very good condition. Remember, a transitional blade shows both the maker’s logo along with the RZM code. The plated fittings remain a solid 70% intact and the checkered bakelite handle and the HJ enameled diamond are perfect. The original scabbard enameled paint is 50% in place with quite of bit of use and scuffing. The leather buffer is still in place under the crossguard. The blade rates a very good. It shows just very light sharpening, and you can still see the faint factory cross graining. There are a few in and out marks, but no pitting at all. The reverse shows both the Eickhorn squirrel logo, the RZM code (M7/66), as well as the date 1939. There is no motto. The black leather restraining strap is present and in good condition. Overall, this is in good condition and an honest example of an early youth knife!
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.