Late War HJ Knife

Product Description: This is an eye-catching example of a late war HJ knife. It was probably manufactured around 1942, and was one of the last Hitler Youth knives manufactured. It has all of the typical late features. The blade on this late war HJ knife is in average condition, with some slight greying as is common on these.  This was a highly used knife with sharpening to the blade by the HJ member. The reverse of the blade is clearly maker stamped with the RZM logo of the Reichszeugmeisterei, and the maker code “M7/13” indicating manufacture by the firm of Artur Schuttelhofer & Co, in Solingen. The handle shows some age and wear. The pommel and crossguard retain most of the original bright plating, though the zinc base metal is visible in spots. The original grips are well-preserved, with no chips or cracks to the Bakelite. The diamond swastika organizational emblem of the Hitlerjugend remains intact, with only minor damage to the enamel at one corner. The original leather buffer is still present. This late war HJ knife is complete with its original scabbard, which shows a matching degree of age and wear. Much of the original black paint is retained on the scabbard, though there are scratches and areas where the bare steel is exposed. The leather belt loop on the scabbard is intact, though the small handle retaining strap is broken and part of the original snap closure is missing. This piece is a solid, representative example of a late war HJ knife, that was undoubtedly carried and worn by a member of the Hitler Youth in the war’s final years.

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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