Original German WWII HJ Knife Belt with Aluminum Buckle Marked RZM M4/23 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII German HJ cast aluminum Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß). It is embossed with the HJ motto Blut und Ehre (Blood and Honor). The buckle is in near excellent condition which is surprising, as the aluminum used to manufacture these typically doesn’t stand up well to the elements. It is marked on the back with RZM and maker code M4 / 23, for Franke & Co of Lüdenscheid.

The thick black leather belt is in very good condition, and comes with one leather hanger loop. It measures 31” when fully extended, and has several sets of holes punched. It has a maker marking on one end, but we unfortunately are not able to read it.

This is a very lovely belt that comes ready for display!

AH believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (AH Jugend) was formed officially in 1935, and with the exception of NSDAP ideology indoctrination was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (AH Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization. The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed minor exams. The knives had nickeled hilts with black checkered grip plates. The obverse plate was fitted with an enameled HJ swas 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 HJ 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 swas. The upper scabbard fitting portrayed an open-winged HJ eagle with swas cut into the bird’s chest. The blade was etched with the HJ motto, Blut und Ehre