HJ-Knife,1942 Pattern, RZM M7/66
Price: Sold
Description: A 1942 pattern Hitler Youth camp knife, blade marked RZM M7/66 for maker Carl Eickhorn, magnetic sheet metal scabbard retaining most of its original black-lacquered finish. Original boys name inscribed on the reverse of scabbard. Great functional snap on solid leather strap; Nice complete diamond grip panels and perfect enamel inset HJ diamond. Great blade with some runner marks. An above average one for sure!
Background: The HJ Fahrtenmesser, (Hike/Camp knife), was introduced in early 1933 and was the first blade sidearm to be officially sanctioned by the NSDAP. Of Note: Although the HJ camp knife was the first, officially sanctioned, blade, side arm the SA dagger was the first, officially sanctioned, dagger. Originally the camp knife was intended for wear by all HJ members regardless of rank but in 1937 a presentation Leader’s dagger was introduced for wear by the ranks of Gefolgschaftsführer to Reichsjugendführer and the camp knife was relegated for wear by the ranks of Hauptgefolgschaftsführer and below. 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. 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. Further production of the HJ camp knives was officially discontinued in October 1942.
