*German, WW2: c.1933–1936, Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) Knife & Scabbard, by P.D. Lüneschloss, Solingen, “Blut und Ehre” Etched Blade, Scabbard Hanger by LFS Lederwerk Sedina (Fritz Schade)*
An early period Hitler Youth knife and original scabbard, manufactured by P. D. Lüneschloss, Solingen, one of the most respected Solingen edged-weapon makers. This example retains the acid-etched motto “Blut und Ehre!” (Blood and Honour) to the blade, correctly applied during the early pre-RZM period. The blade is un-ricassoed, a known and documented feature of certain early HJ knives. The reverse of the blade is stamped: P. D. LÜNESCHLOSS, SOLINGEN, GES. GESCHÜTZT
The hilt features nickel-plated steel fittings with black checkered grip plates, set with the original enamel Hitler Youth diamond insignia. The steel scabbard is of seamless construction and remains magnetic, correct for early production, with its original riveted leather belt hanger. The leather hanger bears the “LFS” oak-leaf and acorn motif, attributed to Lederwerk Sedina (Fritz Schade), Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland), a known and documented manufacturer of Hitler Youth scabbard leather components.
Approx. Measurements - Blade length: 13.6 cm. Overall length: 24.5 cm
Historical Note:
The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend, HJ) was established in 1922 as a youth organisation of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), later becoming compulsory after 1936 for boys aged 10 to 18. In 1933, the official Hitler Youth knife was introduced as a symbolic award worn by members who had passed specific physical and ideological qualifications.
Early HJ knives are widely regarded as the highest-quality examples, reflecting traditional Solingen craftsmanship. These early pieces typically feature nickel-plated steel fittings, bakelite grips, seamless magnetic scabbards, and blades acid-etched rather than stamped with the organisation’s motto. By contrast, later examples (post-1938) generally lack the motto, carry RZM codes, and increasingly use zinc-based fittings as wartime production economies took effect.
Ges. Geschutzt. is an abbreviation of Gesetzlich Geschützt, meaning “legally protected,” and denotes that the design, trademark, or identifying features of the item were protected under German law at the time of manufacture. On Solingen-made edged weapons, this marking is most commonly encountered on early, pre-RZM commercial production from the early to mid-1930s. In the context of Hitler Youth knives, the presence of Ges. Gesch. is a period-correct feature found on early motto-bearing blades by established makers such as P. D. Lüneschloss, reinforcing the knife’s early manufacture.
*Condition*
Blade shows honest period wear with surface oxidation and pitting consistent with age and storage, the motto remaining legible despite corrosion. Maker’s stamp to the reverse is clear and well-defined. The original leather buffer washer at the blade-to-crossguard junction is absent, a common and expected feature on early-period examples. Hilt fittings show wear and scattered plating loss, with grip plates intact and the enamel HJ diamond present and stable. The scabbard displays heavy surface corrosion throughout but remains structurally sound and magnetic. The original leather hanger is present, well-worn, and retains its stamped maker’s mark. Overall condition is entirely consistent with an untouched early-period example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A genuine early Hitler Youth knife by P. D. Lüneschloss, combining an etched motto blade, correct early scabbard, and original marked leather hanger. A strong, well-documented example from the formative years of the organisation, suitable for an advanced Third Reich edged-weapons collection.
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