BACKGROUND: The origins of the Hitler Jugend, (Hitler Youth), may be traced back to March 1922 with the formation of the Jugendbund der NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (Youth League of the National Socialist German Worker’s Party), under control of the SA, Sturmabteilung, (Storm/Assault Detachment). In April 1924 the Jugendbund der NSDAP was renamed Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung (Greater German Youth Movement), and on July 4^TH 1926 the Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung was officially renamed Hitler Jugend Bund der deutschen Arbeiterjugend, (Hitler Youth League of German Worker Youth). Originally the HJ was commanded by Kurt Gruber until Hitler appointed Baldur von Schirach as Reichsjugendführer, (National Youth Leader), in June 1933. Von Schirach remained in command of the HJ until August 1940 when he was replaced with Artur Axmann. When applying for service with the HJ, personnel were issued with a preliminary membership document which was exchanged for an "Ausweis", (Identification Card), when they were accepted for service. Originally, membership was voluntary until regulations of December, 1939, made membership compulsory for all males between ten and eighteen years old.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A roughly 5" x 3 5/16", triple fold, mid-weight, tan cardstock identification card with black printed, typed, handwritten and inkstamped information. The front cover features black printed Gothic script "Mitglieds-Ausweis der Hitler-Jugend" , (Member Identification Card of the Hitler Youth), and the HJ diamond emblem. The first internal page has a inkstamped black and white photograph of the recipient in a his HJ uniform, stapled in place. The card also has the facsimile signature of Reichsjugendführer, Baldur von Schirach. The card has a HJ diamond inkstamp to the exterior and two NSDAP HJ stamps to the interior photograph. The card is in overall good condition with minor age and usage toning, a couple of stains and a small tear to the folds.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $137.00