Early HJ knife in fine condition

Hitler believed German youth to be the future of his Third Reich. The Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend) was formed officially in 1935, and, with the exception of intense Nazi indoctrination, was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (Hitler Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mádel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization. The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed state examinations. These knives had nickel-plated hilts with black checkered grip plates. The obverse plate was fitted with an enameled HJ swastika insignia. Through 1937, these knives were etched with the motto of the organization, Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!). Examples produced after this date were made with plain blades usually bearing an RZM marking. The Hitler Youth Leaders were professionals in charge of the training and NSDAP education of the German Youth. They wore a special dagger consisting of silvered hilt fittings with blue-black leather-covered scabbard. The grip was composed of tightly wrapped silver wire, over a wood base. The pommel cap featured an HJ diamond on top, complete with swastika. The upper scabbard fitting depicted an open-winged Hitler Youth eagle with swastika cut into the bird's chest. The blade was etched with the Hitler Youth motto, Blut und Ehre!.