HJ Knife, ‘RZM M7/60,Mint
Price: Sold
Description: Mid Period, (Circa 1934-1939), HJ knife with motto, has a drop forged steel, single edged, non-fullered blade. Maker marked ‘RZM M7/60’ (maker Gustav Koller) on the left ricasso of the blade. The leather buffer remains there as well. The cross guard and a stylized eagle head pommel or all bright nickel plated. The knife has molded, black, checkered bakelite grips with dual headed, nickel rivets. The obverse grip has an embedded enameled HJ diamond. The diamond has the correct translucent red enamel with a pebbled field visible underneath. The black lacquered steel scabbard is mint; black leather straps are complete with working black-enamel snap. About as good as they come and no need to upgrade this one!
BACKGROUND:The origins of the Hitler Jugend, may be traced back to March 1922 with the formation of the Jugendbund der NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (Youth League of the National Socialist German Workers Party), under control of the SA, SturmAbteilung, (Storm/Assault Detachment). In April 1924 the Jugendbund der NSDAP was renamed Großdeutsche Jugendbewegung (Greater German Youth Movement), and in July 1926 the Großdeutsche Jugendbewegung was officially renamed Hitler Jugend Bund der deutschen Arbeiterjugend, (Hitler Youth League of German Worker Youth). The HJ Fahrtenmesser, (Hike/Camp knife), was introduced in early 1933 and was the first blade sidearm to be officially sanctioned by the NSDAP. An additional NSDAP party formation, the DJ Deutsche Jugend, (German Youth), with members, aged 10-14, were also permitted wear of the HJ camp knife. The distribution of the HJ knife was controlled by the NSDAP and was dependent on the recipient successfully completing the appropriate proficiency requirements and tests. After meeting the requirements the individual was still responsible for purchasing the HJ camp knife through official channels. Regulations stated that the HJ knife was only to be worn while the recipient was in uniform, although it is highly doubtful that young boys/men adhered to these regulations unless they were strictly enforced. Originally the HJ camp knives had a blade inscription with the HJ motto, “Blut und Ehre!”, (Blood and Honor), inscribed in a facsimile of the HJ Reichsjugendführer, (Hitler Youth National Youth Leader), Baldur von Schirach’s handwriting, but in August 1938 the blade inscription was discontinued. In October 1942 further production of the HJ knives was officially discontinued.
