$1,685.00
Condition: Excellent
Maker: Robert Klaas
Pattern: Early
In stock
Product Description: An attractive and desirable early production HJ Hitlery Youth Knife – Klaas, manufactured by Robert Klaas, one of the more respected Solingen makers of Third Reich edged weapons. This finely preserved example displays the superior craftsmanship and elegant detailing associated with early Hitler Youth daggers and remains in outstanding overall condition.
The blade retains a crisp and deeply defined early “Blood and Honor” motto etching, a feature especially prized by collectors of German WWII edged weapons. The surface exhibits expected runner marks and light age-related wear consistent with careful period use, while remaining free from chips, nicks, or damage to the edge and tip. The ricasso bears the sharply etched Robert Klaas maker mark, and the original blade buffer pad remains intact.
The hilt is particularly well preserved, retaining excellent visual appeal throughout. The metal fittings display most of their original plating, including the typically vulnerable retaining strip area. Both black grip plates remain free from cracks or damage, while the enamel Hitler Youth diamond insignia is exceptionally clean and undisturbed, greatly enhancing the dagger’s presentation.
The dagger is accompanied by its original scabbard, which retains the majority of its factory-applied glossy black enamel finish with only minimal handling wear visible. Importantly, the scabbard remains free from dents or structural damage. The original leather fittings remain intact and fully functional, preserving most of their original exterior finish and adding further authenticity to the piece.
Combining superior early-war quality, exceptional preservation, and strong collector appeal, this Early HJ Hitler Youth Dagger with Motto – Klaas represents an outstanding example of a sought-after Third Reich youth dagger and would serve as a centerpiece addition to any advanced WWII militaria or German edged weapons collection.
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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