Original German WWII Early DJ Upgraded to HJ Nickel Belt Buckle marked RZM U.E. 72 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very interesting WWII German HJ National Youth Organization Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß), with a rare solid Nickel Alloy Body. It actually began life as a Deutsches Jungvolk (German Youth) buckle, with a single ᛋ Siegrune (Sig/Victory Rune) in the center. It was however “upgraded” by having a plated steel round HJ emblem attached to the front with two rivets. This is embossed with the HJ motto Blut und Ehre (Blood and Honor), around the HJ diamond logo.

The buckle is in near excellent condition, with some wear and light scratches, as well as a bit of oxidation on the HJ logo. The early Nickel version of these buckles are very hard to find and more valuable to collectors, especially the rare “upgraded” examples.

It is marked on the back with RZM and maker code U.E. 72.. “U.E” indicates Uniformeffekten Erlaubnißschein, (Uniform Accessories Licence), and the manufacturer’s numerical code, “72”. It appears the combined RZM/U.E., markings were utilized circa May 1933 to March 1935. These were used when the RZM was still being officially organized. There is unfortunately no listing of the early RZM makers. This dates this buckle to very early in the NSDAP period.

A great example of an early DJ Belt buckle, later upgraded to HJ as the wearer grew up, ready to add to your collection!

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