Hitler believed German youth to be the future of his Third Reich. The Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend) was formed officially in 1935, and, with the exception of intense Nazi indoctrination, was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (Hitler Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mádel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization.

The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed state examinations. These knives had nickel-plated hilts with black checkered grip plates. The obverse plate was fitted with an enameled HJ swastika insignia. Through 1937, these knives were etched with the motto of the organization, Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!). Examples produced after this date were made with plain blades usually bearing an RZM marking.

The Hitler Youth Leaders were professionals in charge of the training and NSDAP education of the German Youth. They wore a special dagger consisting of silvered hilt fittings with blue-black leather-covered scabbard. The grip was composed of tightly wrapped silver wire, over a wood base. The pommel cap featured an HJ diamond on top, complete with swastika. The upper scabbard fitting depicted an open-winged Hitler Youth eagle with swastika cut into the bird's chest. The blade was etched with the Hitler Youth motto, Blut und Ehre!.

HYK #53921C EARLY HITLER YOUTH KNIFE with GRIP INSIGNIA REPLACING LOWER RIVET - Anton Wingen, Jr.

This early Hitler Youth knife produced only by Anton Wingen is one of the rarest variations we will see with these knives. The hilt is a steel base with very fine nickel-plating which remains in perfect condition. The pommel has the distinct shape of a bird's head and beak and includes a faux release button at the eye section. The grip plates are the early close-grain black Bakelite. There is the usual nickel rivet in the upper portion. In place of the lower rivet, however, the Hitler Youth insignia is flush mounted at this area. On the reverse, there is a spanner nut that retains the insignia. The insignia has a couple of minor chips in the enamel. The reverse of the upper grip section has a crack in the Bakelite that runs from the back of the rivet to the edge of the grip. It does not appear to be threatening at all.

The scabbard is slightly thinner than a standard HJ scabbard and is also slightly longer. The original paint shows some age and usage signs grading at about 60%. The black leather carrying strap remains in good condition and is complete with a retainer loop and working snap.

The blade is also different from a standard HJ blade; it is nickel-plated and has a center ridge that runs the length, There is also a false edge at the blade's end that runs back to about the half-way point of the blade. The blade plating remains bright and is in near mint condition. On the reverse upper section of the blade, deeply stamped just before the false edge is the little knight logo and the firm's initials and location above and below, respectively: "A.W. JR / Solingen". There does not appear to have ever been a blade washer on this knife.

An ultra-rare example here and a "must" for those out there collecting Hitler Youth variations.

Excellent. $2,895.00

HYK #53923C SPANISH CIVIL WAR YOUTH KNIFE - S.E.A.M.

This knife has the shape and dimensions of a German Hitler Youth knife, but since it was used during the Spanish Civil War, it was most likely produced as a soldier's weapon. The hilt is a steel base and has excellent nickel-plated surfaces. The grip plates are standard black-checkered Bakelite retained by nickel-plated steel rivets with well-dressed obverse heads. A diamond-shaped Spanish insignia is inserted flush on the obverse grip plate. It has black and red backgrounds with a set of five arrows piercing through a gold ribbon-like centered object.

The scabbard is shaped like a standard HJ scabbard, however, it has a fine blue finish. The finish shows a few minor surface scratches but is in fine condition. Attached to the scabbard is a black leather carrying strap in good condition, complete with a retainer loop and working snap.

The blade is the same size as an HJ example, however, it is heavier duty, has a ricasso and also features a slightly rounded tip. The blade appears to be nickel-plated and remains in mint condition. The obverse has the motto, "Arriba España". The maker's marking is on the reverse ricasso: "S.E.A. M." which represents the Spanish company, "Sociedad Espanola de Armas y Municiones". Beneath it is stamped, "1936/8". There is a small logo next to the maker information which appears to be a three-lined circle w/ a small flame above. The original leather blade buffer is in place. Included with this piece is a Spanish buckle having the same motif as the grip insignia in the knife.

A rarely seen knife here in fine collectible condition.

Excellent. $1,395.00

HYK #53924C SPANISH YOUTH DAGGER with WHITE RUSSIAN INSIGNIA ON SCABBARD - S.E.A.M.

This Spanish youth-style dagger appears to be a quite rare weapon. The hilt is shaped identically to that of a German HJ Knife. The hilt mounts are a steel base, and are nickel-plated. The plating shows modest wear but remains intact. The grip plates are black checkered Bakelite remaining in perfect condition. The plates are retained by steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. Recessed into the obverse grip plates is a Spanish insignia with the diamond shape. It has a painted yellow center with the two side portions of the diamond being red. Much of the original paint has worn from the insignia.

The scabbard is in fine condition having a blued surface. It shows only the most modest of age. Attached to the scabbard is a black leather hanger which is equipped with a retainer strap having a working snap. A White Russian coat of arms, shaped like a rounded steel button, is applied to the scabbard's upper obverse area with two drilled rivets. The button has black paint around a Russian eagle design. The eagle is two-headed and a crown sits atop the heads. There is a crest on the eagle's breast that looks like four acorns formed in an "X" shape. On each side of the bird are open wings and below the body of the bird are talons and tail wing feathers. Through research, I learned that the White Russians were a group opposed to Communism and left Russia after 1917 when the Bolsheviks took over the country and murdered the Czar. A group of White Russians settled in France sympathized with Franco during his Spanish Civil War beginning in 1936. They asked him if their soldiers could participate on Franco's side against the Communists. Franco was not particularly friendly towards them and told them if they could come to Spain from France at their own expense, he could use them. Only about 200 White Russians showed-up. When the war was over the White Russians asked Franco for some kind of a gesture in return for their aid. Grudgingly he agreed to make them all Leutnants for which they would be entitled to a small pension. At any rate, this knife was apparently carried by one of these members who fought with Franco.

The blade is well-made, slightly heavier duty than the German form and has a slightly rounded tip. The blade remains in good condition. The reverse ricasso is marked with the Spanish producer, "S.E.A.M." (Sociedad Espãna de Armas y Municiones), and is dated "1936-38". A rounded circle-style logo is next to the firm's initials. The leather blade washer remains in place.

Quite a rare piece here and also historically interesting.

Excellent. $1,895.00

HYK #53920C CZECH HITLER YOUTH KNIFE

This Hitler Youth Knife was apparently available to Czech Youth under the NSDAP after the annexation of Bohemia & Moravia in 1938. The knife is identical to any Hitler Youth knife with the exception of the grip insignia and the maker marking. The hilt of this example is nickel-plated pot metal, still in mint condition. The grip plates are the later-style Bakelite with good checkering. The grips are retained by aluminum rivets with well-dressed obverse heads. Positioned flush in the obverse grip is a Czech insignia. It is shaped like a shield, featuring a white center with edges of pebbled red enamel. A black swastika is superimposed and enclosed within a silvered diamond. The insignia remains in perfect condition.

The scabbard remains in excellent condition with full 100% black paint and still retains most of its original bright finish. Attached to the scabbard is a black leather hanger, complete with a retainer loop and a working snap. A fine scabbard here.

The blade is identical to a standard HJ and has a polished finish. The finish remains in near mint condition. There is a fine HJ motto deeply etched "Blut und Ehre". All of the original blackening remains in the letter backgrounds. This blade remains in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a pair of wings retaining an unidentified object—the first time I have seen this insignia. The original black leather blade buffer is in place.

A rarely seen original Czech example here and a great find for an advanced Hitler Youth collection.

Mint Minus. $1,695.00

HYK #53650 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE with PERSONALIZED BLADE - RZM M 7/13 (Schüttlehöfer)

This Hitler Youth Knife shows some age to the plating on the hilt, but for the most part, the plating is still all there. The hilt of this example has a pot metal base. The grips are the black checkered Bakelite and remain in good condition. The rivets are plated steel. The insignia shows some wear to the enamel, including a scratch in the area below the swastika. However, the enamel is still all there. The scabbard is straight throughout; it has paint wear on the obverse, but most of it remains on the reverse.

The black leather hanger and belt loop are in decent condition, including the working snap clip.

The blade appears to have had a good nickel plating when new, but as is common with these knives, there is some scratching and minor sharpening. Interestingly, the original owner engraved his name, "Helmut Müller," into the center of the obverse blade. Because "Helmut Müller" is a common name, I doubt research into this HJ member would be possible, but maybe worth a try. The reverse blade is etched with the "RZM" open double circle above the code for Schüttlehöffer, "M 7/13". The original leather buffer is in place.

It is rare to see a name engraved on the blade of one of these knives, and it was probably against regulations. An interesting piece.

Excellent. $995.00

HYK #53698 PERSONALIZED DOUBLE-PROOF MID-PERIOD HITLER YOUTH KNIFE with MOTTO - (A. Schüttlehöfer / RZM M7/13)

Although we see many RZM marked only Schüttlehöfer Hitler Youth knives, it is somewhat rare to see one that is double proofed. This example is the same as shown in the Nathan Hogle HJ book on Page 262. The hilt has a steel base. The nickel-plating shows some age, particularly at the pommel area covered by the leather hanger. Overall, though, the plating is not too bad. The grip plates are the black-checkered Bakelite and they are in good condition.

The rivets are the nickel type and some verdigris has developed over the top rivet. (This is easy to clean-off, but I kind of like the look of it, so I have left the rivet "as is"). The enamel insignia remains in perfect condition with its colors of red, white, gold and black swastika.

The scabbard is straight and has near perfect paint on the reverse and some minor wear to the paint on the lower portion of the obverse. The brown leather hanger and retainer loop are in good condition, with a working snap button.

The blade shows some age, but on a Hitler Youth scale, it is not bad. It is the style with ricasso and has the blade motto. The motto is still very readable, although much of the original dark background in the letters is gone. There is also some of the usual sharpening, but it is mostly confined to the edge. The reverse ricasso is engraved with the original wearer's initials, "E.W.". The reverse blade, as indicated above is double-proofed. The "RZM" is deeply stamped in a single open circle and below is the code "M 7/13". To the right of this it is stamped with the complete maker name and location, "A. Schüttlehöfer & Co. / Solingen-Wald". The black leather blade washer is in place.

An interesting HJ here with some extra features usually not seen.

Excellent. $995.00HYK #53462 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - Double-proof Carl Eickhorn

This Hitler Youth knife is a later production, featuring a 1940 date on its blade. At this time, the war was ongoing, and most firms were using pot metal as a base for the hilts of these knives instead of the former base metal, steel. The nickel plating was also somewhat lacking, likely being too thin to maximize material use. As a result most of the original plating has worn off the hilt of this piece. This is something we commonly see on HJ knives of this vintage. The grip plates are checkered Bakelite in perfect condition. They are retained by two nickel-plated steel rivets with dressed heads that retain the original plating on the heads. The enamel insignia remains in perfect condition with its enamel featuring the bright colors of red, white, gold and a black swastika. A decent hilt here.

The scabbard is an excellent example. It is straight and has outstanding original black paint. This paint remains mint except for a small rub just at the bottom tip. A black leather carrying strap is attached to the scabbard with two rivets. It is equipped with a retainer loop with a working snap. The leather still retains its factory finish and is very sound.

The blade is mostly still bright, but unfortunately, it was cleaned in the past using something that has a rough surface. As a result there is some minor scratching on the surfaces of both sides of the blade. The blade though, is still pretty good on a Hitler Youth scale. The reverse is stamped with the 1935-1941 Carl Eickhorn trademark. Below the trademark is an open single RZM circle which rests over the code, "M 7/66". Stamped into the ricasso is the date of manufacture, "40". The leather washer is in place.

A decent Carl Eickhorn made HJ Knife which are always popular.

Excellent. $895.00

HYK #53360 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M7/13 (Schüttlehöfer)

We see a lot of RZM M7/13 marked HJ knives by Schüttlehöfer, but rarely do we see one in this condition. Although the base metal on the hilt of these pieces is pot metal, the plating on this example remains in mint condition. Even the plated area beneath the leather retainer strap is all there. The grip plates are the black Bakelite and remain in fine condition. The HJ insignia is a choice example with perfect plating and it wiggles to the touch. (These insignia don't always wiggle if they are tightly still enclosed within the diamond shape cut in the Bakelite, but when they do, it assures us that the insignia is pinned as it properly should be. The rivets are a steel base, but remarkably, all of the nickel-plating remains on their finished heads. Choice hilt here.

The scabbard is also beautiful; it is straight throughout and has mint paint with one tiny scratch near the obverse lower portion. The black leather strapping remains in perfect condition, showing little age and is complete with the retainer loop having a working snap.

The blade is in mint condition, completely bright and retains 100% of the factory grain. It is the style with a ricasso. On the reverse it is etched with the code, "RZM M7/13", being within double open circles. Below this is the code for the Arthur Schüttlehöfer firm, "M 7/13". The original leather blade buffer is in place.

If you are looking for a pristine later example, this piece would be very hard to beat.

Mint. $1,995.00

HYK #53218 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M 7/36 (E & F Hörster)

This piece is of late construction, having the white metal base with nickel-plated finish. Although some of the original finish remains, most of it has worn away over time. The hilt mounts, however, remain attractive and are in the best of condition. The checkered Bakelite grip plates are perfect and are retained by steel rivets with dressed heads on the obverse. The enamel insignia remains in perfect condition with its colors of red, white, gold and with black swastika.

The scabbard retains 99% of its outstanding original paint. The black leather hanger and retainer loop are in sound condition. Although the retainer loop snaps, the cover portion of the button is gone, but this does not affect its operation.

This example's blade is quite impressive, remaining bright throughout. Although it looks mint, there is no grain, so most likely the last owner of the knife polished the blade. It is a great job, however, as the blade is quite striking. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a open RZM circle, and to the right is the code for E. & F. Hörster, "M 7/36".

A fine example here.

Mint Minus. $1,295.00

HYK #53165C LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M7/80 40 (Gustav Spitzer)

The hilt of this HJ knife has good nickel-plating, with the usual loss just under the leather retainer strap. Otherwise, the plating over the white metal base is great. The black checkered grip plates are in fine condition. The insignia has perfect enamel with its colors of red, white, gold, and a black swastika. The rivets are the steel type, having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard is outstanding; it is straight throughout and retains about 98% of its original paint still with a factory shine. The black carrying strap is also in fine condition showing little wear or age and complete with the retainer loop and working snap.

The blade is amazing; it is still factory bright and retains all of the original factory grain. This blade is mint. It is the style with a small ricasso. The reverse ricasso is deeply stamped with an open RZM circle and to the right of the circle are the production code and date: "M 7/80 / 40." The original leather washer is in place.

It's rare to find an HJ knife with a truly mint blade.

Mint Minus. $1,495.00

HYK #53163C LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M 7/31 (August Merten)

This later-produced Hitler Youth Knife has a good hilt, showing some wear on the pommel area, as well as a small amount on the crossguard and quillon. The black checkered grip plates are in fine condition, retained by steel rivets with dressed obverse heads. The grip insignia remains in perfect conditon with its colors of red, white gold and black swastika.

The scabbard is also in fine conditiopn being straight and having choice original paint. The paint shows some minor signs of use, but overall, it is still bright and complete. The black leather carrying strap is in very fine condition showing little use, and includes the retainer strap and a working snap.

The blade is also extremely nice still retaining its factory shine and most of its original grain. There is a little minor scratching on the surfaces where the blade was cleaned with a cloth rougher than necessary, but boys will be boys. The blade is still easily in a full mint state with no sharpening. The reverse ricasso is etched with a double open RZM circle over the code, "M 7/31" which represents the August Merten firm.

The original leather blade washer is in place. A fine example here.

Mint Minus. $1,295.00

HYK #53164C LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M7/72 - Karl Rob. Kaldenbach

This Hitler Youth knife is a later produced example. The hilt plating is beginning to wear over the white metal base. The plating remains at about 50%. The black checkered grip plates are in fine condition, retained by plated steel rivets with dressed heads on the obverse.

The enamel grip insignia remains in perfect condition with its colors of red, white, gold, and a black swastika. The scabbard is straight throughout, showing some wear to the paint, but overall the paint is about 85% intact. The black leather hanger is in excellent condition. It is complete with the retainer loop having a working snap.

The blade is a beauty, still in mint condition with bright surfaces and 100% of the original factory grain. The reverse ricasso is etched with a double open RZM over the code "M 7/72," which represents the firm of Karl Rob. Kaldenbach. The original leather blade washer is in place.

Excellent Plus. $1,195.00

HYK #53020C MID-PERIOD HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M 7/12 1938 (WMW)

The hilt of this example is the pot metal base type. The nickel-plating remains in choice condition and is still at 100% with no wear-through. The black Bakelite grip plates remain in perfect condition and are retained by nickel-plated steel rivets. The Hitler Youth insignia is perfect with its enamel of red, white, gold and black swastika. A fine hilt here.

The scabbard is completely straight. The reverse paint is all there having only some age crazing evident. The obverse scabbard shows some wear and age at the lower area only. The black leather hanger and retainer loupe with working snap are in near mint condition. The reverse of the leather is marked with the oak leaves and initials, "LFS".

The blade is a fine near mint example which is bright and still has much of its factory graining. The reverse is very lightly etched having a large double shaded RZM circle positioned over the code, "M 7/12" "1938". This code represents the Waffenfabrik Max Weyersberg firm. The leather blade washer is in place.

A very nice example here.

Excellent Plus. $1,295.00

HYK #53019C LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M 7/36 (E.&F. Hörster)

This Hitler Youth Knife was one of the last examples produced, most probably about 1941 or early 1942. The knife appears to have pot metal fittings, having a very light plating, or possibly done with the zinc finish we see on late-produced medals. In fact a similar Hörster piece with zinc finish can be seen in the great Hitler Youth Books, by Nathan Hogle on Page 476. The pommel and cross guard remain in good condition. The grip plates are the black Bakelite variety being retained by steel rivets. The enamel insignia remains in perfect condition with its red, white, gold and black swastika colors.

The scabbard is completely straight and has excellent black painted finish. The obverse finish shows just a little minor wear at the bottom area, and the reverse remains in near full mint condition. The leather used for the belt hanger and retainer loop is the late type having the large pebbling in the surfaces. This leather still remains in fine condition with a working snap. The blade is a good as you will see. This blade retains all of its original factory grain and is completely bright - a mint example here. The reverse ricasso is deeply stamped with a single RZM circle followed by the code for the E & F Hörster firm, "M7/36". The original leather buffer is in place.

A very fine example here being one of the last HJ pieces made. Very collectible!

Mint Minus. $1,495.00

HYK #52886 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - Double-proofed Eickhorn / RZM M7/66

The hilt of this HJ knife has extremely nice nickel plating, being still very bright throughout. There is the usual small rub to the plating at the area below where the leather regain loop retains the hilt, revealing just a little of the pot metal base metal below. The grip plates are in excellent condition, being retained by nickle-plated steel rivets. The HJ enamel insignia is in place. The insignia is still good, but has a slight surface chip, just below the swastika area. The rest of the enamel is perfect with its red, white, gold and black swastika.

The scabbard paint remains very good, still being bright. It shows wear only at the lower tip of the scabbard. There are three minor hits to the left edge of the center area of the scabbard. The black leather belt loop remains in excellent condition with its retainer loop having a working snap. The blade, although there is no grain, is extremely bright and very impressive. At first glance it looks mint, but probably was always maintained with a shine by the original owner. This blade still grades in a near mint state. There are a few tiny little edge scratches, where a little sharpening was once done, but it barely shows. The reverse is deeply etched with the 1935 through 1941 trademark. Below is an open single RZM circle located above the code, "RZM M7/66". The ricasso is stamped with the year of production, "39". The leather blade washer is in place.

A good collectible piece here.

Excellent Plus. $995.00

HYK #52379 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M7/13 (Schüttlehöfer)

This Hitler Youth Knife has good nickel plating over the zinc base metal. The plating is about 98% showing only a little wear here and there. The black checkered grip plates are in fine condition, being retained by steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The insignia enamel remains in perfect condition with its fine red, white and gold colors around the black swastika. The scabbard has excellent original black paint being at about 98%. There are a couple of minor wearing hits, but nothing major. The black leather belt loop is in good condition with its retainer having a working snap button. The leather strap on the reverse is marked with the oak leaves and the producing firm's initials. The blade is a fairly nice example, still being bright and having some of the original grain. The blade has not been sharpened, but does show a couple of minor edge nicks where its original owner got a little too aggressive with something he was whittling or the like. The blade still grades at excellent. The reverse is deeply stamped with the double RZM circle over the Schüttlehöfer code, "RZM M7/13". The original leather blade washer is in place.

A good collectible example.

Excellent Plus. $895.00

HYK #52003 LATE HITLER YOUTH KNIFE - RZM M 5/51/39 Anton Wingen

The Wingen firm continued to produce a quality HJ knife despite being later in the period. They continued to use a steel base for the hilt instead of the pot metal used by most producers at these later dates. The hilt plating of this piece is exceptional, still being at 100% and still having a good shine to it. The black checkered grip plates are in fine condition with the insignia in the center of the obverse. The insignia has perfect enamel with its colors of red, white and black swastika on gold background. The rivets are of aluminum having dressed heads on the obverse. A fine hilt here.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has decent original black paint showing some wearing chips, but still being about 90%. The black leather belt loop and retainer loop with working snap are in good condition.

The blade remains bright and even has hints of cross grain, but, as is almost the norm, the blade has had the edge sharpened. It is a pretty good job and is mostly confined to the edge areas only. The reverse ricasso is marked, "RZM M 7/51/39", being the code for the Wingen firm and "39" being the date that the knife was produced. The original leather blade washer is in place.

A good solid example here that has not been abused.

Excellent Plus. $995.00

HYK #51454 Mid-period Hitler Youth Knife by August Merten

Good Plus. $995.00