Early Double Proofed Hitler Youth Knife by Robert Klaas - Dated 1938
Here on offer is an original double proofed Hitler Youth knife by Robert Klaas of Solingen and dated to 1938.
Official manufacturing of the Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend or HJ) knives ceased in early 1943. The order to stop production was formally published in regulations on February 20, 1943.
Key milestones in their production history include:
1933 to 1937: Early knives featured the "Blut und Ehre!" ("Blood and Honour") motto etched on the blade.
August 1938: The motto was officially discontinued on newly manufactured blades. Production continued with plain blades.
1942–1943: Manufacturing officially wrapped up as resources were diverted entirely to wartime materials.
On this example, the nickel-plated heavy hilt fittings are in excellent condition and show minimal loss of plating.
The Bakelite grip plates are in good condition with one tiny corner chip on the back plate. I would say they have been replaced at some point in its life, as they are now held in place by two brass nuts and not the original nickel rivets. They have a very dark patina which takes many years to obtain, so probably a WW2 period repair, after February 1943, when production stopped and original parts wouldn’t be easily available.
The young Hitler Youth members did put these knives through a lot of abuse and I have seen photos of them throwing them at targets on tree trunks, where they have hit each other and chipped the Bakelite grip plates!
The HJ diamond emblem still fits tightly into the grip and just has a couple of light scratches to the surface.
The 1938 blade is the version with a ricasso and without the motto and has a lightly scratched finish (which would polish out) to the surface but no deep pitting or nicks in the cutting edge.
On the obverse it has stamped the makers mark, being the “twin crane birds” and the name Robert Klaas Solingen.
On the reverse is stamped the RZM circle and the code M7/37 (relates to Robert Klaas) with 1938 below.
The leather buffer pad is still in place.
The steel scabbard has been professionally repainted using a suitable black paint and it looks really impressive.
The original dark brown leather belt loop hanger, fastening strap and working stud fastener are still in place and are in good condition.
The blade measures 5.5” (13.9cm) long and the knife is 9.75” (24.7cm) in total length.
It weighs 325g.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
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Code: 52380