Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of an extremely rare HJ National Youth Association Dolch für Führer (Dagger for Leaders), complete with its original leather covered scabbard. These were given to members of the HJ paramilitary organization who rose to leadership roles, and this is the first example that we have ever had, and are unlikely to have another any time soon.

This dagger was produced by the desirable maker E. & F. Hörster & Co Gmbh, a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which marketed many fine edged weapons. Originally founded in 1850 as "Friedrich Hörster" in 1850, the company was renamed to E. & F. Hörster in 1870 at the behest of Friedrich Emil & Fritz Hörster. The firm lasted long after WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The hilt of the leader's dagger features a plated magnetic pommel cap, which is embossed with the HJ diamond emblem on the bottom, with an engraved rope border just above it. The grip is twisted nickel wire wrapped over what is probably a wood base, terminating in a non-magnetic ferrule. The plated non-magnetic cross guard is rectangular, with a gentle curve and rope border on the sides. The entire hilt was originally coated with a protective lacquer coating, a good amount of which still remains. This has protected what looks to be silver plating over much of the hilt, which shows some tarnishing where the lacquer has flaked off. The wire wrapping is also still great, showing no fraying or cuts, and is really a lovely example, with the entire hilt still tight to the blade.

The plated blade of this example is in very good condition, showing light runner marks and some oxidation speckling, but no pitting or nicks to cutting edge. There is no damage or bending to the edge or tip, and the original leather blade buffer is still in place against the cross guard. The acid-etched motto BLUT UND EHRE! (Blood and Honor!) is present and retains most of the factory gray finish. The reverse of the blade is clearly etched with an ((RZM)) circle next to code M7 / 36.

The Reichszeugmeisterei, or RZM, was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles. The M7 in the code stands for knives/daggers, with E. & F. Hörster of Solingen of Solingen being contractor number 36.

The scabbard for this dagger is in very good condition, with the sheet steel body free of bends or dents. It is fit with steel mountings, which were originally plated, and much of the body is covered with black "Moroccan" grained leather. The throat fitting at the top front features the HJ Eagle insignia, holding a sword and hammer, with a rope border underneath. The middle band and drag have the same rope border, and both carrying bands are present. The fittings have however lost most of their plating, now displaying a lightly oxidized steel patina.

A great example of an extremely rare HJ Leader's Dagger, complete with the original scabbard and ready to display! Ready to become the centerpiece of your German dagger collection!

Approximate Measurements:
Blade Length: 9 1/2"
Blade Style: Spear-point Dagger
Overall length: 13 3/4”
Crossguard: 3 1/2"
Scabbard Length: 9 7/8”

HJ believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (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 (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!