Hitler Youth Knife – M7/42

Product Description: This Hitler Youth Knife is a nice, complete example. The blade is from 1940, after the blade motto had been discontinued. The blade is in excellent condition, with appealing shine and some of the factory cross-graining still evident. There is a light patina, some scattered light scratches, and one small dent to the cutting edge near the tip. The ricasso is neatly stamped with the round RZM logo, the date, and the maker code M7/42 indicating manufacture by the firm of Weyersberg in Solingen. The handle is very nice. The checkered Bakelite grip plates are intact, with no damage. The diamond-shaped Hitlerjugend organizational emblem in the grip has perfect enamel, and wiggles a bit, as it should. The nickel plating of the quillion and pommel shows light wear. The black painted scabbard retains most of its original black paint, and is stamped near the throat with what appears to be the word “Germany.” The leather belt strap is extremely flexible, and complete, but has become detached from the first rivet on the scabbard body. Overall, this Hitler Youth knife shows only light, honest wear, and has a great look. The condition rates as excellent.

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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