*German, WW2, Hitler Jugend Transitional Dagger by Eickhorn — Dated 1939, with Scabbard and Hanger*
13.2cm blade, 24cm overall
A small Hitler Youth dagger featuring a distinctive beaked pommel and black Bakelite chequered grip, fitted with two smooth dressed rivet heads and an inset diamond-shaped enamelled HJ insignia (red and white background with black swastika).
The blade is marked with the Eickhorn squirrel logo, "Eickhorn, Solingen", and "RZM M7/66", along with the date "39" stamped on the raised ricasso. The RZM M7/66 code was assigned to Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, one of the most respected wartime blade manufacturers.
This dagger is a textbook example of the transitional period for Hitler Youth knives, dating roughly 1936–1940. Transitional features include:
-Thicker blade construction
-Higher ricasso (raised shoulder at base of blade)
-Absence of the early motto ("Blut und Ehre")
-Presence of both the traditional maker mark and RZM code
The scabbard is the correct type: magnetic sheet steel with no lip on the throat. It retains its original leather belt strap and securing loop. The leather strap is embossed on the reverse with "LFS" over an oak leaf, a known marking seen on original HJ dagger leather hangers, generally attributed to an approved NSDAP leather contractor ("Lederwarenfabrik Fr. & Co. Solingen" is a commonly cited but not definitively confirmed attribution for "LFS").
Historical note:
The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) knife was officially introduced in 1933 and intended as a symbol of membership and commitment to the National Socialist ideology. Early examples bore the motto "Blut und Ehre" ("Blood and Honor"), which was later omitted starting around 1938. The transitional knives, like this example, are particularly collectible as they capture a short phase when manufacturers still included traditional company logos before shifting entirely to standardized RZM markings.
Eickhorn of Solingen was among the most prominent German blade producers, known for high-quality construction and precise markings.
*Condition*
The blade shows honest field wear and some surface scratches but remains bright. The quillon is missing - either broken off or ground down, and the beaked pommel displays pitting and corrosion consistent with age and use. The Bakelite grip and enamel diamond are intact, with expected age-related crazing to the enamel. The scabbard retains its original finish with age-appropriate wear and oxidation. The leather hanger is complete and supple, with period hardware still present, including the securing strap and press stud. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A scarce, desirable transitional Hitler Youth dagger by Eickhorn, 1939-dated, complete with its original scabbard and marked leather hanger, reflecting the shift in production standards in prewar Nazi Germany.
JAQBFH_2687130525
