HJ Hitler Youth Knife Grip Insignia

Product Description: This HJ Hitler Youth Knife Grip Insignia is a really appealing piece that is well above average for these. This is the more desirable early enameled type. The top-quality black, white and translucent red enamel shows no chips or cracks, and only extremely minimal surface wear and low spots to the enamel. The base metal here still retains virtually all of the original silvering, with very slight wear and age toning. On the reverse, this attractive HJ Hitler Youth Knife Grip Insignia is marked with the round RZM logo of the Reichszeugmeisterei, as well as the maker code “M1/14” indicating manufacture by the firm of Matth. Oescbsler & Sohn, Ansbach. The original silver finish on the reverse shows only light toning. The attachment prongs are bent but show no breaking, and are still held in place with the original soldere. This badge is all-original, with no repairs or signs of cleaning. This choice HJ diamond is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The first Nazi youth organization was created in Germany in 1922. In 1926, this organization took on the name “Hitlerjugend” (Hitler Youth) and by 1930, it had over 25,000 members. From 1933 to 1945, the Hitler Youth was the only official youth organization in Germany. The Hitler Youth was for boys aged 14 to 18, and also included the “Deutsche Jungvolk” for boys aged 10 to 14, and the “Bund deutsche Mädel” for German girls. This was primarily a paramilitary organization. Members learned military skills, such as drill and marching, and were arranged in units with a command structure similar to that of the military. These units were subject to political lectures and other types of indoctrination using Nazi propaganda. By December of 1936, the Hitlerjugend had over 5 million members. During WWII, The Hitler Youth assisted the German postal service and the Reich national railways, among other tasks. By the end of the war, Hitler Youth members were being deployed in combat as anti-aircraft gunners attached as auxiliaries to the Luftwaffe, and as members of the Volkssturm militia units. Hitler Youth personnel had a wide variety of uniforms and headgear, including tan summer uniforms, wool winter uniforms, and specialized clothing for sports competitions or special units. These uniforms were worn with a wide variety of different insignia which designated specific functions and units. Headgear ranged from simple field caps and ski caps, to specialized equipment. Hitler Youth members were also eligible to earn a range of awards. At the end of the war, the Hitlerjugend was disbanded, and later banned by the German criminal code.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates. Inquiries

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com