Condition: Good
Maker: RZM M7/36 – E. & F. Hörster
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Product Description: A period Hitler Youth HJ Knife – M7/36 E. & F. Hörster, bearing the RZM code M7/36 for the Solingen-based maker E. & F. Hörster. This example reflects honest age and service wear consistent with wartime production. The original silvered finish survives in part on the pommel and crossguard, now softened to a muted tone. The blade exhibits visible pitting and evidence of sharpening, indicative of use, and is correctly marked with the RZM M7/36 designation.
The black plastic grip plates remain intact without cracks or breaks, retaining good structural integrity. The HJ diamond insignia is present within the grip, showing minor expected looseness; the enamel displays light chipping and fine cracking yet remains largely complete. The leather washer at the guard is still in place. Overall, this Hitler Youth HJ Knife – M7/36 E. & F. Hörster represents a well-preserved and honest example, retaining its essential components and markings, and offering collectors an authentic specimen of Third Reich-era edged weapon production.
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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