![]() The diamond/motto are simply missing, but it is absolutely an original HJ knife. Low ricasso knives of this style are also non-existent in post-war knives as the high ricasso design is simply better/stronger. The rivet was absent and lip present on post war scabbards. The scabbard type is also indicative of a period HJ knife with a single rivet on the front and no "lip" near the mouth. A first model to be exact, made roughly between 1933-36 as indicated by the low ricasso. While generally this knife design was common as a scout knife post war, this is very likely an HJ knife that has had its diamond removed and motto, "Blut und Ehre!", removed/polished off as a means of denazifying it. All HJ knives have the diamond emblem of the Hitler Youth on the handle.This is a year late but hopefully OP will see this. Manufacture of these knives is believed to have ceased around 1942. There are also transitional types that still have the etched motto but have dates on the blade ricasso. 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. The use of the etched motto was discontinued in August 1938. They had nickel silver handles, and anodized metal scabbards. The blades on these early knives were marked with commercial manufacturer logos. The earliest examples bore the motto of the Hitler Youth, “Blut und Ehre!” (Blood and Honor), etched on the blade. It was used not only as a dress sidearm, but as a functional camping tool, and these were commonly sharpened by their original owners. It was produced by a multitude of manufacturers and could be purchased from authorized shops for a price of 4 Reichsmarks. Historical Description: The Hitler Youth Knife (Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser) was introduced in the summer of 1933, shortly after the Nazi seizure of power in Germany. Overall, this is a very appealing, honest, original piece. The retaining strap is intact and functional. ![]() The leather is brown, and remains supple. The scabbard body has been repainted with a brush, and has an even patina that leaves no doubt that it was repainted long ago. This desirable Transitional Hitler Youth Knife is complete with its original scabbard. The enameled Hitlerjugend diamond emblem has no chips or losses to the high-quality enamel. The Bakelite grip plates show no cracks or chips, and are correctly riveted in place. ![]() The reverse of the blade is marked on the ricasso with the commercial type maker mark of Hartkopf as well as the stamped RZM emblem and maker code “M7/40.” The handle also shows traces of wear and age, with a moderate patina to the metal fittings. The blade on this one shows use, with evidence of having been sharpened long ago, likely by the original owner. ![]() in Solingen, a hard-to-find maker of these knives. Product Description: This is nice example of a transitional Hitler Youth knife. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |