Hitler Youth Knife - suspect. Can anyone confirm?

[Derek]

Hi,
As a former collector (many years ago) of Third Reich militaria, I have been asked by a friend to authenticate this HJ knife. Edged weapons were never my forte so I would like some expert opinions please.
At first sight, I believe this knife to be fake. The "etched" motto and RZM marks have no edge, i.e. smooth to the touch. The grips are a bad fit and show signs of filing, the rivets on the grip and scabbard do not look correct.
However, the HJ diamond rocks and is not glued in place.

Can anyone confirm my suspicions, thanks.
Derek

[John Brandon]

I think it's ok personally WMW
Waffenfabrik Max Weyersberg

[Watchdog]

I think it's ok personally WMW
Waffenfabrik Max Weyersberg

From these pictures I am inclined to agree with John.

You particularly mention the etching being smooth to touch with "no edge". I know what you are getting at but I think that is only a good guide when the item is in virtually unworn condition. 70 years of handling and life on earth is sure to have rendered this almost perfectly smooth to finger tip sensation.

The grips and rivets therein look normal too and you are correct that the HJ diamond being "rockable" is a good sign but also the appearance of the enamel especially the red where the textured pattern underneath looks good too. On many fakes the red enamel is either cloudy / imperfect and the wrong pattern is seen underneath. It isn't mint but the condition overall is good and it seems like a perfectly collectable piece from what we can see here.

Regards

Mark

[Tank Destroyer]

Its a good knife.....

[seventyeighth]

Agreed, looks good to me as well.

[lew07]

I dont consider Myself an expert but I do own one or two of these. I would say the knife is good

[Derek]

Thanks to one and all for your opinions.

I was misled by the poor fit of the grips and the condition of the rivets. When comparing this knife with a Luftwaffe dagger I still have from my collecting days I always thought that all edged weapons produced at that time were well finished and top quality, I stand corrected.

Thanks again for the help!

[Mac 66]

Derek,



Nice enough WMW transitional hj knife with motto

They used an Ink RZM stamp on these blades for some strange reason that wares off very easily, i guess thats why we see unmarked blades on hj knifes over the years.

See thread on GDC : HJ knife M 7/12 - GermanDaggers.com



Mac 66.

[Wagriff]

Nothing more to add-a nice Transitional.

[Derek]

Thanks again for all the help.
One last question, can anyone give me a rough idea of the value?