Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a very nice HJ Cap Badge – AHjungend Mützenabzeichen marked RZM M1/159 by Hans Doppler of Wels, Austria. It is constructed out of a die stamped bronze base that has been silver washed and contains red, white and black enamel work. The rhomboid diamond shaped obverse depicts the HJ emblem, which consists of a black mobile swas above a silvered square diamond, which is surrounded by alternating white and red translucent pebbled quadrants and is all surrounded by a small silvered border. As with most examples, most of the silvering has worn off, though it is visible on the back.
The full back reverse has a horizontally soldered on prong assembly and is maker marked RZM M1/159 The pin measures approximately 25mm tall by a 13mm wide. The enamel work has no cracking making this a great pin!
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.