Early HJ Hitler Youth Dagger with Motto – J.A. Henckels

Product Description:  A highly wonderful early-production Early HJ Hitler Youth Dagger with Motto – J.A. Henckels, manufactured by J.A. Henckels, representing one of the many respected and collectible Solingen makers of Third Reich edged weapons. This authentic early example displays the refined craftsmanship and unmistakable early-war characteristics sought by advanced collectors of German WWII militaria.

The blade retains the coveted early “Blood and Honor” motto etching, remaining clearly visible and well-defined. The surface exhibits expected runner marks and honest age-related wear consistent with careful period use, while remaining notably free from chips, nicks, or damage to the edge and tip. The reverse blade bears the crisply etched J.A. Henckels maker mark, further enhancing the dagger’s desirability. The original leather buffer pad is no longer present.

The grip displays attractive age and authentic service character throughout, with visible oxidation and areas of plating loss to the hilt fittings, including the typically vulnerable retaining strip. Both black grip plates remain free from cracks or structural damage, while the enamel Hitler Youth diamond insignia remains clean, intact, and firmly set, exhibiting only the expected loss of original silver finish from age and handling.

Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, showing typical paint wear acquired through wartime use and decades of preservation, with much of the underlying base metal now visible toward the tip. Importantly, the scabbard remains entirely free from dents or structural damage. The original leather fittings survive intact and fully functional, preserving the majority of their exterior finish and contributing significantly to the overall originality of the piece.

Combining strong early-war quality, desirable motto blade, and untouched wartime character, this Early HJ Hitler Youth Dagger with Motto – J.A. Henckels represents an outstanding and highly displayable example of a sought-after Third Reich youth dagger. An exceptional addition to any advanced collection of German WWII edged weapons or political militaria.

Historical Description: The Hitler Youth Knife (Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser) was introduced in the summer of 1933, shortly after the Nazi 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. Manufacture of these knives is believed to have ceased around 1942. All HJ knives have the diamond emblem of the Hitler Youth on the handle.

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