Description
Product Description: Nice example of an Early Hitler Youth Knife with an early blade without ricasso. The blade on this Early Hitler Youth Knife is marked “ASSO / SOLINGEN” for the firm Arthur Schuttelhofer of Solingen-Wald as well as “GES. GESCHUTZT” or “Patent Pending”. Motto is nicely executed on the blade. The blade exhibits a light patina with evidence of light sharpening that was likely done in the period by a member of the Hitler Youth, or a souvenir hunting GI. The grip scales remain intact with Hitler Youth diamond nicely inset and exhibits a pleasing patina. Complete with its original metal scabbard which retains most of it’s original black paint and exhibits a moderate patina. The leather belt hanger and button snap are intact with supple leather and patina to functioning snap. This is a nice example of an Early Hitler Youth Knife by ASSO.
Historical Description: The Hitler Youth Knife (Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser) was introduced in the summer of 1933, shortly after the Nazi 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. Manufacture 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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