German WWII Hitler Youth Knife by WKC-This HJ dagger is in solid, sound condition. This is an RZM example. The plated fittings remain a solid 70% intact, and the checkered bakelite handle and the HJ enameled diamond are very good. The original black scabbard paint is 65% in place. The blade rates very good, although it does show some sharpening. There is no motto. The reverse shows the RZM code M7/42 for WKC, as well as the date 1940. The RZM code and date are deeply etched and very easy to read. The black leather restraining strap is in good condition. Overall, this is an honest example of an RZM HJ Knife by a desirable maker.
History: The Hitler Youth Knife (Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser) was introduced in the summer of 1933, shortly after the NSDAP 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. The manufacturing 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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