Hitler believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend)was formed officially in 1935, and with the exception of Nazi ideology indoctrination was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (Hitler Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization. The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed minor exams. The knives had nickeled 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 portrayed 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 #30703 Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/33) - F.W. Höller
The hilt of this example has good nickel plating and has the usual wear spot on the front lower pommel where the leather covered the metal and trapped moisture. The spot is on both the front and the rear but it is not bad. There’s also a small rub on the plating of the reverse crossguard but it is also very small. This plating overall is at about 95% and is still bright throughout. The grip plates are the checkered black plastic variety and they are in perfect condition. These grip plates are retained by steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The original Hitler Youth insignia wiggles slightly and has perfect enamel. It is quite beautiful with its red, white, silver and black swastika colors. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has literally perfect mint paint on the reverse whereas the obverse shows some rubbing to the lower finish and a few scratches here and there. The paint on the front is in excellent condition rating at about 90%. The blade of this example is really in good condition considering it is a Hiter Youth knife. This blade of course has a short ricasso and looking at the finish it almost has 100% of the original graining still there. The graining lines are quite prominent. There is no sharpening on the blade and other than just a few minor age spots this blade should clean up to near full mint condition. It is rare to see a blade this nice on one of these Hitler Youth knives. The reverse ricasso is stamped with an open RZM circle over the code M 7/33. This is the code for the F.W. Höller company. The original leather blade buffer is in place. A decent example here that is in very collectible condition.Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00
- HYK #31057 Hitler Youth Knife
This Hitler Youth knife has an unmarked blade which in itself is a rarity as I do not remember seeing an unmarked one in the past. It is however 100% original. The hilt of this knife has good nickel plating and will clean up to be nearly 100% and still have a good shine to its surfaces. The grip plates are the black checkered bake-o-lite type having fine grooves and they are in perfect condition being retained with nickel-plated steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The Hitler Youth insignia is a great looking diamond having perfect enamel to the red, white and gold black swastika in the center. The scabbard is straight throughout. Unfortunately the only paint remaining on this scabbard is just a little bit on the left edge. The rest of the paint has gone to but there really is no rust on the scabbard and in fact it is ready for a new paint job. The original leather belt loop and grip retainer loop are in good serviceable condition being black in color and having a fine working snap. The blade is the style with short RZM and it does not look to have ever had a motto. This blade shows some graying and some spots on the surfaces overall but it should clean up some. It also has no sharpening and retains its original shape. The black leather washer is also in place. Not a bad Hitler Youth knife here and with a little loving tender care it should come up to be pretty nice. It is priced accordingly.Excellent. $295.00
HYK #30983C Early Hitler Youth Knife with Motto - Robert Klaas
This Hitler Youth knife has an excellent hilt, reflecting all of the original plating. The hilt has been cleaned up some but it is still easy to see, though, that the plating is still all there. This hilt is the early type made of a steel base and is heavier than the later variety. This example is equipped with the early bakelite grips, having a fine checkered pattern. These grip plates are in perfect condition throughout and have nickel rivets retaining them, which have dressed heads on the obverse. The insignia eagles end has perfect enamel. This diamond Hitler Youth insignia has beautiful colors to its red, white, silver, and black swastika in the middle. An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard is straight throughout, and the shell has good original black paint. The paint has spidering throughout its surfaces, but nevertheless, it is still all in place. The leather black strap and retainer loop are also in place and they are in good condition, still readily serviceable. The belt loop area has maker stamping on the reverse that consists of the oak leaf and the initials “LPS”. (Most collectors do not realize that there is a letter stamping on the oak leaf itself, and normally this letter does not show). For the record it is a “P”, as it is quite clear on this stamping. The retainer loop is complete with a good working snap. The blade of this example is the early type with no ricasso. The motto is still there but it is difficult to see, as it has thinned out over the years from many cleanings by the original owner and also the post-war owners. The motto, though, is still there. There is also some sharpening noticeable on the blade surfaces, but it is not too deeply done and just appears as scratches. Overall, the blade still has some shine to it and it rates at about excellent, which is good on these Hitler Youth knives, as few have decent blades at all. The reverse is darkly etched with the maker marking consisting of the kissing cranes over the maker and location, “Robert Klaas, Solingen”. Below this is the patent pending markings, “Gesetzl. Geschützt”. It is rare to see this much of these patent words spelled out on a blade. The blade’s leather washer is in place. A pretty nice piece here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00
HYK #30969 Early Hitler Youth Knife with Motto - Hartkopf
This Early Hitler Youth Knife has an excellent hilt, being the steel base type. The nickel plating is still in perfect condition across this hilt and has an excellent sheen. The grip plates are the early close checkered style and they are in perfect condition, retained by two nickel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The enamel Hitler Youth insignia wiggles and is in perfect condition, having beautiful colors to the red, white, gold, and black swastika in the center. The scabbard is straight throughout and has original black paint. Unfortunately, the paint has quite a bit of spidering in it and also a couple of spots where the paint is missing. Overall, though, the scabbard is about 95%. The original black leather is serviceable and in excellent condition, to include the working snap on the retainer loop. The blade has turned slightly gray and has some pepper marks. The motto is completely visible and the blade is the type without ricasso. This blade only grades at excellent. The reverse has the double devils heads with the name stamped along side, “Hartkopf & Co., Solingen”. Beneath is the patent pending “Ges.Geschützt” mark, and the leather washer is still in place.Excellent Plus. $495.00
HYK #30622C Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/8) - ED Gembruch
This Hitler Youth knife has excellent nickel plating throughout. It is a later piece and therefore the base metal is pot metal. The nickel plating though has held up quite well on this example and is 100% showing only nominal age. The grip plates are the black checkered bake-o-lite type. I see a tiny crack on the reverse plate which goes past the lower rivet. It is not noticeable and you can only see it if you turn the piece in the right direction. This little crack has probably always been on this piece. The grip plates are retained with what appears to be zinc based metal. These rivets have dressed heads on the obverse only. The Hitler Youth insignia is in outstanding condition having bright colors to its enameled red, white, gold and black swastika in the center. The scabbard has some ruse toward the bottom on both sides of it and is also fairly crazed throughout the rest of the surfaces. The paint probably rates at maybe 60%. The leather is still in excellent condition to include the retaining strap and the working snap. The blade of this example still has its original shape and does not look to have ever had any sharpening at all. Unfortunately though there are some dark spots spread throughout the blade. In the bright areas though it is easy to see that the crossgraining is still in this blade and that it is still relatively crisp including the short style ricasso. It is a shame that these dark stains developed but perhaps with a little work maybe some of these could be rubbed out slightly. The reverse blade is etched with a double open RZM circle positioned over the code for Ed Gembruch being “M 7/8”. This is a rarely seen producer for these knives. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. A decent knife though with a rarely seen producer.Excellent. $425.00
HYK #30510 Early Hitler Youth Knife with Personalizes Swastika - Hartkoph
This early Hitler Youth knife is not in very good condition but it does have an interesting period addition in the way of a swastika painted on the scabbard. We’ll get to this further down in the description. The hilt of this early example is the heavy steel base type. Because of this the nickel-plated pieces are all in still good condition. This nickel plating remains at 100% and other than usage signs here and there it is in good condition. The grip plates are the early black checkered bake-o-lite type. They are in good condition throughout having no problems and are retained by nickel rivets having dressed heads. The diamond swastika has a couple of chips in the enamel. It still retains its bright colors though of red, white, gold and black swastika in the center. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has its original black paint which shows much age and only remains maybe at 30-40%. It is interesting to note though that in the center of the scabbard apparently the original owner decided to try out his hand at Nazi Party artwork. He has painted what appears to be a political armband right in the center. It has a red base that goes all around the scabbard and in the center there is a white field with black mobile swastika. This “artwork” is not extremely well done but certainly done during the period and absolutely adds some interest to this piece. The blade of this knife is also not in good condition. It is the style with no ricasso and it does have the etch on the obverse. Most of the etch is still quite clear especially the word “Ehre”. The blade though has pretty much all gray surfaces and there are some darker stains mixed in. The blade also has some old sharpening that shows on both sides. This blade can only be rated at “good”. The original shape though is still there and that is one thing that can be said for it. Perhaps with a little work maybe it would clean up some. The reverse of the blade is stamped with the popular twin devil heads logo. The detail to these two devils is outstanding and to the right of them is the name of the firm and location, “Hartkopf & Co. Solingen”. Written beneath stamped horizontally is the patent pending marks, “Ges. Gesch.”. The original blade buffer has gone to time. I forgot to mention that on the scabbard the original leather is still in place but unfortunately the retaining loop with the snap hardware has gone to time. I know this is not a good condition knife but I like it and I think that someone out there will also.Good Plus. $395.00
HYK #30630C Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/80 40) - C. Gustav Spitzer
This Hitler Youth knife was made in 1940 accordingly to the blade stamping. It is a zinc pot metal base and the nickel plating has mostly worn off. There are traces of it still remaining though throughout the piece so that the viewer can see what it once was. This plating is only about 30-40%. The grip plates are the checkered black celluloid and they are in perfect condition. These grip plates are retained with steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The Hitler Youth diamond is a fine example that has perfect enamel. This is the type diamond that does not have the black dots in the red enamel. Collectors used to say that this meant the piece was a reproduction. This is nonsense; the diamond was just made by a different producer. At any rate, the enamel is perfect throughout the red, white, gold and black swastika in the middle. The scabbard is a fine example being completely dent free. The reverse has pretty good original paint showing a little wear at the tip and also along the edges. The obverse shows more wear throughout but overall this scabbard paint is maybe 70%. The leather belt loop and retainer loop along with a working snap clip are in good condition. The blade of this example still retains its fine original shape. It has turned slightly gray and shows a little bit of minor sharpening and some age in the surfaces but overall this blade is pretty good rating at about excellent plus. The short ricasso on the reverse is stamped with a single open RZM circle and to the right of its is the code “M 7/80/40”. Not a bad piece here.Excellent. $350.00
HYK #27923 HITLER YOUTH LEADER (RZM M7/36) - E. & F. Hörster
This Hitler Youth Leader dagger is in nice condition throughout. The pommel cap is of one piece construction. It features a rope design around the upper edge, with twin line designs below. At the upper portion is a raised out diamond shaped Hitler Youth insignia. This insignia features lines that run the length, and in the center is a mobile style raised out swastika. This cap is retained by two screws, one on each side. This is indicative of an early model. The crossguard is the typical aluminum variety, having quillon ends that are flat on the top and bottom, and slightly curve upward. The edges of the crossguard are completely done in a rope motif. There is little to no silvering remaining on this crossguard. The ferrule is an excellent example, still having all of its silvering, and having a single decorative line that runs around the circumference. It nicely matches the silvering of the pommel cap. The grip is a wood base, which is completely covered with twisted silvered wire. The wire is in excellent condition throughout, having no loose areas. The scabbard shell is straight throughout, and it is covered with a fine blue-black leather. The grain of this leather is still all there. The scabbard mounts are choice examples, still having all of their silvering. The upper mount displays an open winged eagle, which has a swastika etched into his breast. The eagle carries a sword in his right claw, and a hammer in his left talon. The fitting at the lower has a roped design, which matches the design at the center fitting, as well as the lower chape fitting. This scabbard is equipped with plain eyelets and rings. The blade is a very fine example, having quality nickel plated finish. The nickel plating is in 100% condition, and has a mirror bright surface. Other than one small stain on the obverse ricasso (which could clean out), the blade is in full mint condition. The obverse center segment is etched with the Hitler Youth slogan, “BLUT UND EHRE!”, all being in capital letters. The reverse ricasso is etched with a double open circle, having the RZM letters in the center. The circle is positioned over the code for the E. & F. Hörster Company, “M7/36”. The original blade washer is in place. A fine Hitler Youth Leader dagger here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $4,495.00 (#101009)
HYK #28621 Hitler Youth Knife with Issue Tag (RZM M7/13) - Arthur Schüttlehöfer
This Hitler Youth Knife is most likely unissued, as it was liberated complete with its paper tag still affixed to the reverse of the leather carrying loop. The printing on the loop is mostly worn off but if someone took the loop off and unfolded it there would be a way to see the details. Normally the tag would best be left just where it is frozen in time on the reverse of the leather. The hilt of this knife is a real beauty. It is nickel-plated over the pot metal base. The plating still is factory bright and is also 100% throughout. The grip plates are a fine perfect condition black checkered variety, retained with nickel-plated rivets and having dressed heads on the obverse. The nickel plating on the rivets is also in pristine condition. The obverse grip plate has a fine Hitler Youth insignia. It features perfect enamel having the bright colors of red, white, silver and a black mobile swastika. You won’t find a nicer hilt here! The scabbard is straight throughout and the obverse has good original black paint. There are a few signs of age and a couple of minor chips here and there from time. On the reverse the paint is also very nice but does have a few more chips, mostly confined to the right edge. I would assume these come from the knife being set in place on a table or whatever over the years. The leather is the late style type having fairly large graining in the surfaces. It still remains in choice condition, complete with the small loop and working snap. As mentioned above the issue tag is still attached to the reverse of this leather. The blade of this example is as nice as they will come and is in virtually new condition. This blade has perfect shape and has 100% of the original crossgraining. It is the style blade with short ricasso. This full mint blade is marked on the reverse with an etched open double RZM circle positioned over the code for Arthur Schüttlehöfer, “M 7/13”. The original leather washer is in place looking to match the leather of the carrying loop section. This is an outstanding Hitler Youth knife and a great chance to add an unissued piece to your collection if you are specializing in HJ pieces.Mint Unissued. $1675.00
HYK #29967 HITLER YOUTH KNIFE RZM M7/51/41 - Anton Wingen
The nickel plating to this Hitler Youth knife is still quite good showing a little bit of age on the reverse side but the plating is still all there. There is a little bit of stain in the obverse pommel just where the leather strap laid over the surfaces. The grip plates are the traditional black checkered type and they are in perfect condition. The HJ enamel diamond is in perfect condition having good red, white, copper and black swastika in the center. This diamond does not have the black spots in the red enamel but nonetheless it is an original. This lack of black spots is a misnomer that collectors use to judge reproductions. There may have been some grip plates like this used on reproductions but they were also used on the genuine item. The grip plates on this example retained by what appears to be zinc rivets having dressed heads. The scabbard of this example is a good straight steel tube type having excellent original black paint. This paint shows a little bit of spidering and some usage signs but it still is factory bright and covers at about 98%. Attached to the scabbard at the reverse with two rivets is the dark brown leather hanger. This hanger is still in fairly good shape. The retainer loop is also there together with the snap and button. The snap portion broke from the adjoining leather but we have repaired it accordingly and if treated properly it still should stay in working condition. The blade of this example is not in too good a condition. It does have some of its original brightness to it and if you look closely you can see some original crossgraining. It does however have some age in the surfaces and a little bit of sharpening. It still grades though at excellent plus. The blade has a short ricasso and on the reverse is marked with a double open RZM circle and to the right of this the code, “M 7/51/41”. This code was used by Anton Wingen and “41” was the date the knife was produced. The original leather washer is in place showing some wear to the edges but still intact. Not a bad HJ piece here.Excellent. $395.00
HYK #29514C Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/37)
This Hitler Youth knife is in nice condition. The hilt plating still rates at 100% and is bright throughout. The metal beneath is the pot metal base, so it is unusual to see plating in this condition. The grip plates are a fine black checkered type and they are retained by aluminum rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The Hitler Youth insignia is in perfect condition, having choice, bright colors to the enamel being red, white, gold and a black swastika. The scabbard is also a fine example, having outstanding original paint. This paint was put on fairly thick which probably accounts for much of its good condition. This paint is about 98%, missing only a little bit at the tip. The paint also retains its original factory brightness. The black leather belt loop and grip retainer loop are in good condition throughout, with a fine, working snap. The blade of this example is still bright. I don’t see any graining in the surfaces but it is still very nice, showing only the most minimal of age. There is a light sharpening just on the edge which was probably done by the original carrier. This fine blade rates at excellent plus plus to near mint. The reverse ricasso is stamped with an open, single RZM circle and the Robert Klaas code next to it “M7/37”. It is interesting to note that the year date stamped below, which should have been “1939” but instead reads “1239”! This is obviously a mistake by the individual who was in charge of stamping these knives and, apparently, it went unnoticed if there was an inspector there. The original blade washer is in place. A very nice Hitler Youth knife here.Near Mint. $750.00
HYK #28931C Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M 7/10 1949) - J.A. Henckels
This Hitler Youth Knife, despite its 1940 production date, is still heavy and of high quality. The base metal is of excellent steel and there is good nickel plating over the surfaces. This nickel plating is nearly at 100% showing only nominal usage. The grip plates are the closed checkered black variety and they are in perfect condition being retained by nickel rivets which have dressed heads on the obverse. The enamel is nicely in place and is in perfect condition with its diamond of red, white, gold and a mobile black swastika. This insignia moves slightly like it normally will. The scabbard is nice and straight and has pretty good original paint. The obverse has a minor amount of paint missing on the upper area with just a few scratches and the reverse area is nearly perfect. The original owner has scratched his name in the reverse of the scabbard paint, “E. Girk”. This paint rates at about 98% and it still has factory luster to it. The dark brown leather hanger and retainer loop are in place and still supple with a good working snap. The blade of this example is still fairly bright with a small amount of grayness to it. There also is some sharpening which goes a little bit up in to the blade surfaces but is not bad. Overall this blade would grade at about excellent to excellent plus. It is the style with short ricasso. The reverse of the blade has an open single RZM circle postioned over the J.A. Henckel code, “M 7/10” and the production date below, “1940”. The original brown leather washer is in place. Not a bad HJ knife here.Good. $495.00
HYK #28940C Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M 7/51/41) - Anton Wingen Jr.
This Hitler Youth knife despite its late vintage is a quality example. The hilt is made of solid steel base having excellent nickel plating. The nickel plating appears to have a flash coat of brass below as there is a little bit of the plating missing where the pommel and quillon meet the grip plates. The plating still though is at 95%. The grip plates are a fine black checkered bake-o-lite having retainage rivets which are nickel-plated steel. The Hitler Youth insignia has excellent enamel to the diamond with its nice bright colors of red, white, silver and mobile black swastika. Nice hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The obverse has quite a bit of wear and age to the original paint. The reverse has also some age and wear but not quite as much. The original owner has sculpted his initials in to the painted area and they appear to be, “A.H.” All in all, this paint rate probably on about 60%. The leather hanger is a black color having excellent serviceability to the belt loop, retainer loop and working snap. The blade is an outstanding example. It still retains its original mirror finish and also has all of its crossgraining. It is quite rare to see a blade in this condition. The keen eye will pick up just the slightest of sharpening at the edge but it is nothing. This blade is in near full mint condition. It is the style with short ricasso. On the reverse ricasso is the double open style RZM circle with the code, “M 7/51/41”. This is the code for the Anton Wingen Jr. firm and “41” would be the year this Hitler Youth Knife was produced. The brown leather washer is in place and is in a new-like condition. A very fine HJ knife here.Near Mint. $795.00
HYK #28712 Early Hitler Youth Knife with Motto - Anton Wingen Jr.
This early Hitler Youth knife is of highest quality construction. The hilt is produced of solid steel base and has good nickel plating. There is a minor amount of filling of the plating on the area which is covered by the leather retainer strap. The rest of the hilt though is still bright and near 100%. The grip plates are the early checkered bake-o-lite type and they are in perfect condition. They are retained by nickel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The obverse grip has a fine Hitler Youth enamel insignia. The enamel is in perfect condition and has beautiful colors to the red, white, silver and black mobile swastika. A nice hilt here! The scabbard is nice and straight throughout. The obverse scabbard has good original paint, showing a little bit of age and a couple of small rub areas, but it still rates at about 85-90%. The reverse is in better condition rating near 100%. There is a brown leather loop as well as a retainer loop and both are in good serviceable condition. The retainer loop has a fine working snap. Nice leather here. The blade is the style without ricasso and it is still nice and bright. The blade has a tiny bit of light pitting at the tip area but it really does not look to be of anything consequential. The rest of the blade is really nice. The motto is all there being a light etch and not having much of the darker backgrounds but nevertheless it still looks pretty good. This blade easily grades at excellent plus, plus. The reverse is stamped with the maker little knight logo and above the logo is the firm’s name, “Anton Wingen Jr.”. Below is the location of, “Solingen” and the patent pending stamping, “Ges. Geschützt”. The original leather blade washer is in place. A nice HJ knife here and if some of the minor pitting could be rubbed out at the end of the blade it would really be a fantastic example.Excellent Plus, Plus. $895.00
HYK #28422 Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/68) - Tiger
This Hitler Youth knife is a later made piece having pot metal base hilt and nickel-plated surfaces. The plating is still pretty good throughout the hilt although it is beginning to wear in the area covered by the retainer loop. (We see this a lot with Hitler Youth knives.) The plating, though, rates at overall about 90%. The grip plates are the usual black bake-o-lite type and they are in perfect condition. These plates are retained by nickel-plated steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The Hitler Youth insignia in the obverse grip wiggles nicely and it has perfect enamel. The enameling looks great being red, white, copper and with a black swastika in the center. The scabbard of this example is the usual black steel tube type. It has the original black painted surfaces and there are some scratches and age here and there but overall it’s about 80-85%. There is a good black leather belt loop with retainer loop having a working snap. This leather shows only mild age and is still in good condition. The blade of this example is exceptionally nice. It is still bright throughout and if you look closely almost all of the original graining is still in the surfaces. This blade has never been sharpened and other than just a mild bend in the edge toward the tip it is still in choice condition. This blade is in a near mint state and would really clean up nice. The reverse is etched on the ricasso area with a single open RZM circle. To the right of the circle is the code, “M7/68”. Horizontally marked on the blade is a striped tiger making his way down toward the tip. The details to this cat are outstanding throughout. Behind the cat is the firm’s name and location, “Tiger Solingen”. The original brown leather blade washer is in place. A pretty nice Hitler Youth knife here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $595.00
HYK #28558 Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/80 41) - C. Gustav Spitzer
This Hitler Youth knife has a little bit of bubbling to the nickel plating around the pommel but for the most part the finish is still all there. The nickel plating on the backstrap areas and the quillon is still in good shape. The base metal of this piece is pot metal. The grip plates are in good condition being the black checkered variety. The Hitler Youth enamel is in perfect condition having good coloring to the deep red, white, copper and black swastikas. These grip plates are retained by nickel-plated steel rivets. The scabbard of this example is the typical steel tube type and it has pretty good original black paint. There is some loss to the tip area and there is some carrying signs throughout, but for the most part, this scabbard paint is at least 95%. The leather strap is a black type being that kind of leather that we see on most of the wartime pieces. It does not have the quality look of the earlier type leather but still it is in good condition and the retainer loop has a good working snap. The blade of this example is in bright outstanding condition still having what appears to be all of the crossgraining. This blade has a great shape to it and it has never been sharpened. It has the typical short ricasso. This blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with a single RZM circle and next to it appears the code for Spitzer, “M7/80” and then beneath that is, “41”, which was the date this piece was made. The leather washer is made of the same type of material as the hanger. Although this is a late made piece it really is in good shape considering there are very few of these pieces found with nice blades.Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00
HYK #28156 Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M 7/13) - Arthur Schuttlehöfer
This Hitler Youth knife is a fine-looking example having excellent preservation. The hilt plating is still good, beginning to fail a little on the pommel area beneath the leather retaining strap. This is normal and is seen quite frequently with pot metal based later made Hitler Youth knives. The plating, though, is at least 95%. The grip plates are in excellent condition, having good checkering. They are retained by nickel plated steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The Hitler Youth insignia has perfect enamel and looks outstanding with its red, white, gold and black swastika colors. The scabbard is straight throughout and has excellent original black paint. This paint shows a little bit of thinning at the bottom tip but, overall, it is still there at about 98%. It also has good brightness still in the finish. The leather belt loop and small retainer are all there but are beginning to become slightly limp from age and usage. It would be a good idea for the next owner to use some leather conditioner to aid in preserving this strapping. The small retainer loop appears to have had an old repair but it is well done and everything is in good shape with a working snap. The blade of this example is still nice and bright and also retains nearly all of its original factory graining. Other than in-and-out marks, this blade almost looks in new condition. If you look close though, there is a little bit of edge sharpening but it is not too bad and has not gone into the slab edges of the surfaces. This is really a nice blade here, rating in near full mint condition. The reverse of the blade is stamped with the Schüttlehofer code, being a double open RZM circle over the number “M 7/13”. The original leather blade buffer is in place. A pretty nice Hitler Youth knife here.Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00
HYK #28015 Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/13) - Arthur Schuttlehöfer
Despite the fact that this Hitler Youth knife has an RZM marking, the hilt is still the early heavy steel variety. This hilt has good nickel plating throughout, showing a little bit of thinning around the quillon and also the area where the leather strap covers. All in all, though, the nickel plating is quite good on this example and shows well. The plating is about 95%. The grip plates are the early finely checkered variety. These Bakelite plates are in perfect condition to include the Hitler Youth insignia. The enamel is still perfect throughout the red, white, gold and black swastika areas. These grip plates are retained by steel rivets having dressed heads on the obverse. The scabbard of this example is nice and straight and has outstanding original black paint. The reverse is nearly perfect, while the obverse has a couple of minor chips toward the lower area and some wear at the tip. This paint, though, still has its original factory luster and really looks good, being in near mint condition. The black leather hanger is complete with the little retainer loop. The very end of the retainer loop has gone to time, but the working snap is still in place and in good condition. The blade of this example is nice and bright, having most of the original graining still in the surfaces. This blade shows almost no age and is easily in near mint condition throughout. There is no sharpening on this example. The reverse is stamped with a double open RZM circle which is positioned over the code for Schüttlehöfer, “M7/13”. This blade is protected by the original black leather washer. An outstanding Hitler Youth knife here, probably of about late 1938 vintage.Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00
HYK #27875 Mid-Period Hitler Youth Knife with Motto RZM M7/36/E - E. & F. Hörster
This Hitler Youth knife is still in good condition throughout. The hilt fittings are the heavy steel base and they have good nickel plating. There is some mild age which is mostly confined to the area trapped under the leather strap. It is not bad, though, and would clean up some if someone wanted to do it. The rest of the hilt plating is still mostly bright. The grip plates are the black Bakelite checkered variety. They are in perfect condition and are retained by steel style rivets with dressed heads. The Hitler Youth insignia wiggles in the grip and is in absolute perfect condition, having 100% enamel. The surfaces have a red and white color with gold diamond and black mobile swastika. The scabbard of this example is also a fine piece. This scabbard is straight throughout and has outstanding original black paint. This paint only has a few scratches in the surfaces and only the slightest bit of wear just to the very tip area. Other than this, the paint is still factory fresh and is at least 98%. Attached to this fine scabbard is an outstanding black leather hanger with original retainer loop and working snap button. This leather is also in a near mint state. The blade of this example is the style with short ricasso. This blade is still mostly bright, having a little bit of sharpening noticeable around the edge but it is not too bad. It does go a little into the motto, but only at the bottom. The motto “Blut und Ehre!” is still quite clear and has about 90% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse blade is stamped with the maker’s name and location “E & F Hörster Solingen”. The ricasso is stamped with a double RZM open circle and to the right of this is the code of the firm “M7/37”. The original leather buffer is in place. A nice Hitler Youth knife here.Excellent Plus. $850.00
HYK #26476 Hitler Youth Knife (RZM M7/13)
This Hitler
Youth knife is made of the later pot metal base, having a nickel
plated surface. The nickeling is still pretty good throughout,
except it is beginning to develop a couple of cracks in the surfaces,
here and there. The cracks do not look as though they are going
to spread any further, but nonetheless, they are there. The plating,
although having a little bit of underbubbling, is also still all
there. The grip plates of this example, at first glance, appear
to be crisp, but the keen eye will see that there is also a crack
in both the obverse example at the top rivet, and the reverse
example, just below this rivet. These cracked grip plates appear
to have been repaired, most likely with the use of some epoxy
to keep them in place. This is a shame, but if you’re just
looking at this piece, you cannot see it from a small distance.
The grip plates are retained by nickel plated rivets, having dressed
heads on the obverse. The Hitler Youth insignia is nicely placed
in the center, and has perfect enamel. This insignia features
the bright colors of red, white, gold, with a black mobile swastika
in the center. The scabbard of this example is a nice straight
one. It has very choice original black paint. This paint is in
near full mint condition. The leather strap with retainer loop
is a black color, and is the later type leather that we see. The
retainer loop looks as though it could have been replaced, as
it is slightly thinner than the usual type. It is complete, though,
with a working snap. The blade of this piece is extremely nice.
This blade is bright, and has all of the original factory graining
in its surfaces. In fact, I believe that this blade is as close
to mint as you will see. The reverse of the blade is etched with
an open double RZM circle. Below the circle is the code for the
Arthur Schuttlhofer firm, “M7-13”. This blade has a
ricasso, and has been protected by an in-place leather washer.
It is a shame about the broken and repaired grip plates, but the
job that was done is definitely okay, and a good restoration for
this knife. This knife has too many nice things going for it,
for the grips not to have been properly repaired. A nice example
here, if you can stand the repair. It is priced accordingly.Excellent Plus. $595.00
HYK #24819 Hitler Youth Knife with Motto - Gottlieb Hammesfahr
The hilt of
this Hitler Youth example is in fine condition. It is one of the
earlier steel base types and it has excellent nickel plated surfaces.
The nickeling is still bright and covers nearly 100%, failing
only a little bit in the area which is covered by the leather
retainer strap. Fine plating here, though. The grip plates are
the black checkered type and they are in perfect condition. They
are retained by nickel rivets having finished heads on the obverse.
The Hitler Youth motto is in choice condition and is the type
that wiggles a little bit to the finger. This enamel appears to
be all there and looks great with its colors of red, white, gold
and the black swastika in the center. The scabbard of this example
is in excellent, straight condition. The reverse black paint is
about 98% and really looks good. The obverse is somewhat less,
but still has excellent original paint, wearing only near the
tip area. Attached to the scabbard is a fine black belt loop retainer
loop combination. This leather is still supple and in fine condition.
The reverse of the leather is stamped with the maker mark which
features an oak leaf and the letter “l” on either side
of the leaf. The retainer loop has a good working snap, having
about half of the original coloring still remaining on the button
surfaces. The blade of this example is the style with short ricasso.
There is some mild sharpening that is noticeable towards the end
of the blade but it is not bad and has not altered the shape.
There is also a little bit of edge sharpening, but this is to
be expected with these knives. This blade is still in good condition
and probably would come up a bit brighter with some semi-chrome
polish. It still looks pretty good and the motto is very evident,
having about 70% - 80% of its original backgrounding. This blade
grades at about excellent plus. The reverse is stamped with the
pyramid figure having a plus sign in the middle. The firm’s
name and location along with the patent pending marks are stamped
to the right of the pyramid “Gottlieb Hammesfahr/Solingen,
Foche/Ges. Gesch.”. The original leather washer is in place
on this blade. A fine mid-period Hitler Youth example here with
motto. These are getting very difficult to locate in any kind
of condition.Excellent Plus. $795.00
HYK #26173 Unusual Hitler Youth Knife - E.P. & S.
The Pack Company
made a unique Hitler Youth knife, which is much different from
other producers. In fact, it resembles a bayonet more than it
does a Youth knife. This example shows some overall age discoloration,
but it is all there, and is a very rarely seen variation. The
hilt area is of steel base construction. The pommel is slightly
different from other Youth knives, in that the eagle head beak
is much more prominent, just like a bayonet would be. The lower
quillon crossguard is the same as normally seen. The nickel plating
has mostly gone from this piece, and it has a dull brown patination
over the hilt parts. The grip plates are an outstanding black
checkered bakelite. This bakelite still remains crisp. Just like
other products made by this company, the plates are retained by
rivet and spanner hardware, meaning that the plates could be taken
off. Strange as it may seem, the rivets still retain their perfect
nickel plating, as do the spanners. The Hitler Youth insignia
is in perfect condition and wiggles nicely. This insignia features
red, white, gold, and black swastika enamel. It really looks good
against the darkness of this hilt. The scabbard is a standard
Hitler Youth type, being of tube steel. It appears as though it
had a blue finish rather than paint, although most of the blue
seems to be gone. The scabbard has a dull dark patination across
its surfaces, matching that of the hilt. There is a good black
leather belt retainer loop section, and the retainer is complete
with a working snap. The blade has some dark spots in its surfaces,
but it still retains its original shape. The motto is on the obverse,
and is still quite visible, having about 20% to 30% of the original
background darkening. This blade could be cleaned up some, as
the dark spots are really stains not rust. This blade only grades
at about excellent. The reverse ricasso has the stamped hammering
Siegfried figure, and to the right of this, is the firm’s
initials and location, “E.P.S., Solingen”. A fine example
here for the Hitler Youth “type” collector out there.
Rarely seen variation.Excellent. $995.00