Transitional Hitler Youth Knife – Eickhorn

Product Description: This is a very appealing example of a desirable transitional Hitler Youth knife. The blade on this one is really nice, with bright luster and no damage, not even any evident sharpening as is typically seen with these. It has a reinforced ricasso and is well marked, with the commercial type “squirrel” maker mark of the firm of Carl Eickhorn in Solingen, as well as the round RZM emblem and Eickhorn’s maker code “M7/66.” It’s dated “40” on the ricasso. The handle is beautiful. Both grip plates are intact, with no chips or cracks. The Hitlerjugend diamond in the grip shows nice enamel and shine, with some honest wear. The metalwork on the handle retains most of the original plating, which gleams handsomely. This scarce transitional Hitler Youth knife is complete with its original steel scabbard. The scabbard body retains most of its original factory applied glossy black paint, with only light wear and scattered small marks. The leather belt hanger and button snap are intact and functional. The retaining strap shows even wear that has worn away most of the black color. This is a great knife that presents very well. It’s complete and sound, and remains in excellent plus condition.

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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