Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition Mid-war production HJ Fahrtenmesser (HJ Trip Knife), marked on the blade with both the logo and RZM code of famed maker Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. This HJ Knife is a solid example of the type, with a handle that is nickel-plated over an alloy base. The plating still remains in nice condition, with over 90% still, with a bit of light peppering.

Unlike the early pattern knives, these have a thicker blade with a raised ricasso, which significantly strengthened the blade. There is no acid etched motto on the blade, but it is possible that it was removed during use and polishing. We have seen blades with only the RZM mark that still have the motto.

The Bakelite grip plates are closely checkered and in perfect condition, retained by nickel-plated steel rivets with dressed obverse heads, though they have lost all the plating and are now oxidized. The HJ insignia is also in excellent condition, with the original enamel almost 100% retained, and the original silver plating now bearing a lovely dark tarnished patina. The bakelite shrinks slightly over the years, which is why the logo is a bit sunken in and loose, confirming the authenticity.

The blade of this example is in very good condition, with the strengthened ricasso, and a nice shape and edge. The blade shows much of the original crossgrain overall, though it has been cleaned and polished over the years, so it is faint in places. The edge has been sharpened a bit, but not enough to alter the shape of the blade. On the reverse the blade is marked with both the Carl Eickhorn "Squirrel" trademark and the RZM designation:

There is also a number 41 on the ricasso, but we do not know if this is a date, or just an issue number. We have seen this same number on other examples. The transition to the RZM system occurred in 1938-39, so this is most likely a date.

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this marking pattern was seen on HJ knives made 1940 to 1941. The company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The Reichszeugmeisterei (National Quartermaster Office), or RZM, was 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 66 stands for firm Carl Eickhorn, a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which marketed many fine edged weapons. The original leather blade buffer is in place, showing just a bit of wear on the edge

The scabbard shell the typical tapered example with a the standard black enamel finish, which is retained at over 85%. There is crazing and checking, as expected, however only some small areas of missing finish, and no dents that we can see. The leather hanger and belt loop are still in good supple condition, though the black finish is somewhat cracked in areas. The retainer loop is intact and has a good working snap, with an intact belt loop.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 9 3/4”
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 5 7/8” with 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!