HJ Knife (with motto)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 31.GOR.04.01.003.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A very well-preserved HJ member’s knife, measuring 255 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 140 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The obverse of the blade bears an acid-etched inscription of “BLUT UND EHRE!” (“BLOOD AND HONOUR!”), while the reverse is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, a date of “1938”, and a maker code of “M7/2” for Emil Voos Waffenfabrik, Solingen. The blade sits securely within the silver-plated upper crossguard, which completes with a hooked quillon. An intact blackened leather washer covers the seam. The handle grip is composed to two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, held together by dual rivets. Inset into the obverse handle is a HJ insignia in the form of a red and white enameled checkered diamond, bearing a central black mobile swastika and measuring 16 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). The knife finished with a hooked pommel, facilitating a grip with the hooked quillon. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black painted magnetic metal. An exterior rivet secured in place an internal spring catch, securely holding the knife in place during storage. The scabbard retains a brown leather belt hanger, secured in place with dual rivets, in turn held together by two additional rivets. Straps with a functional metal snap button lock the knife in place. While very well preserved, the knife displays some issues consistent with age and use, including running marks to the blade, loosening of the handle insignia, loss of scabbard paint, and material fatigue of the hanger. It is in overall near extremely fine condition.
The HJ Knife was originally known as "Fahrtenmesser" (hiking or camp knife). It could be worn by all members of the HJ, but there was no binding regulation for any member that made it mandatory. Most boys would outfit themselves with it, except for the ones who were not able to afford it. Members of the DJ (German Youngsters) were allowed to wear the knife after earning full membership in the so called "Pimpfenprobe" test, and if their district leader allowed it.
Prior to 1933, there were many unofficial version. In early 1933 the first regulation aimed at standardisation was released.
The blade is 139mm long and measures 27mm at its widest point. On the obverse side, the blade features the HJ motto “Blut und Ehre!” (blood and honour) in cursive, actually a facsimile of Reich Youth Leader Baldur von Schirach's handwriting. This was discontinued in a later regulation from August 19, 1938, but earlier knives that were still in use remained permitted.
All metal parts of the handle are nickled, although late-war examples may completely lack any plating. The grip is made of checkered black hard rubber, with an HJ diamond inlaid on the obverse.
The scabbard is 145mm long and 32mm wide. It was made of sheet metal and painted metallic blue or black.
The knife was worn on the left side of the belt.
Due to early unofficial versions and personalised knives, numerous different versions can be encountered.
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