German, WW2 - 1936 Dated, Third Reich Hitler Youth (HJ) Dagger with Scabbard by Gebrüder Gräfrath, Solingen RZM 7/30 – Transitional RZM Example

*German, WW2 - 1936 Dated, Third Reich Hitler Youth (HJ) Dagger with Scabbard by Gebrüder Gräfrath, Solingen RZM 7/30 – Transitional RZM Example*

An original German Hitler Youth dagger dating to the early Third Reich period and retaining its original magnetic steel scabbard with leather belt loop and retaining strap. The dagger is of the standard HJ pattern with black chequered grip plates secured by nickel rivets and inset with the enamelled HJ diamond badge.

The blade is etched to the obverse with the Hitler Youth motto “Blut und Ehre!” (“Blood and Honour!”). The reverse ricasso bears the transitional period markings “RZM M7/30 1936” together with the commercial maker’s trademark “Gebr. Gräfrath Solingen”. This dual-marked arrangement is characteristic of early transitional production during the mid-1930s before later standardisation under the RZM system.

The dagger retains its original black-painted magnetic steel scabbard with front-mounted securing stud and leather suspension loop. The leather retaining strap remains present with some period damage. Interior felt buffer remains visible within the scabbard throat.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 13.9 cm. Overall length: 24.5 cm.

History Note:
The Hitler Youth knife was introduced during the 1930s as the standard sidearm of the Hitlerjugend (HJ), the youth organisation of National Socialist Germany. Early daggers often combined traditional Solingen commercial trademarks with newly introduced Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) inspection markings, creating the so-called “transitional” variants now particularly sought after by collectors. The motto “Blut und Ehre!” was officially authorised on early blades before being discontinued on later wartime production examples.

The maker, Gebrüder Gräfrath Fabrik Feiner Stahlwaren of Solingen, was founded in 1859 and formally registered in 1879. By the 1930s the company was producing a wide range of edged weapons and utility knives and became an authorised RZM contractor in 1935. Surviving catalogues illustrate production of Hitler Youth knives alongside SA and NSKK daggers, hunting knives and dress bayonets. The firm later became part of Hubertus Schneidwarenfabrik during the post-war period.

*Condition*
Overall showing honest age and period wear. Blade displays surface greying, spotting and areas of oxidation, though the motto and maker markings remain visible. Grip plates remain secure and the enamel HJ diamond is intact with good colour. Plated hilt fittings show age wear and surface marks. Scabbard retains traces of original black finish with heavy surface wear, oxidation and rusting, particularly toward the lower section. Leather suspension and retaining strap are dry and damaged with tearing and loss around the press stud. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.