Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice pre-WWII production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the HJ motto and RZM code of maker Anton Wingen Jr. of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a very good example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over a steel base. The plating still remains in very nice condition, with over 95% still present, with a bit of wear through in areas on the side of the pommel and on the cross guard.

The acid-etched motto Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!) is present and clearly legible in the light, though the factory darkening has been mostly removed due to cleaning. Usually these later pattern knives did not have the motto, but they were seen during the 1936-1937 changeover, so this is correct for a knife dated 1937 such as this.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in excellent condition, retained by solid nickel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The HJ insignia is also in very good condition with only a bit of wear, and has the enamel fully intact. The plating on the brass has worn off, which is typical, leaving a lovely dark patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity. There is just a bit of dirt on the grip plates, which could be easily cleaned off if desired.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, with the strengthened ricasso, and a nice shape and edge. It has however seen a good amount of use, and has been sharpened multiple times, which has reduced the width of the blade somewhat. It also is about 1/8" shorter than we usually see due to this. It is still relatively sharp, so please handle with care. The leather blade buffer is still in place, showing wear from service.

Rear of the blade is etched with the RZM Designation (RZM) M7 / 51 over a 1937 date, however there is no maker mark we can see. It is possible that it was paint stamped and wore away however. Anton Wingen Jun., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was a cutler and metalsmith company first founded in Solingen, Germany in 1888, and was formally registered in late 1901. They first came to prominence during WWI with their high quality hunting and combat knives, which were popular with troops. They acquired the "Knight" logo from Clauberg in 1920, and continued using it through the Third Reich period. This particular trademark was the style of logo they used on smaller knives, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The company continued operation well after the war, finally closing in 1997.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), 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, contractor 51 stands for firm Anton Wingen Jr, a rare maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

The scabbard shell is the typical tapered example, which does not show any major dents, retaining the standard black enamel finish at about 75%. This does show a good amount of bubbling, checking, and other age related issues, showing that it has not been refinished in the past. The leather hanger and belt loop are still present and in good shape, with an intact and functional retaining strap.

A very nice HJ Knife from the transitional period, made by a rare Solingen Maker! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” without belt loop

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