BACKGROUND: The Hitler Youth may be traced back to March of 1922, with the formation of the "Jugendbund der NSDAP" (Youth-league of-the NSDAP), under control of the SA. In April of 1924 the "Jugendbund der NSDAP" was renamed "Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung" (Greater-german Youth-movement), and in July of 1926 the "Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung" was officially renamed "Hitlerjugend Bund der deutschen Arbeiterjugend" (Hitler-youth League of-the german Worker-youth). Prior to 1925, an assortment of uniform items were worn by "Hitler Jugend" members, mainly consisting of a white shirt and HJ armband. In an attempt to associate themselves more closely with the Nazi Party, the HJ adopted the NSDAP brown shirt in 1925. Their distinctive belt buckle was introduced in 1933.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An early, 37mm x 55mm (for the 35mm belt), plain tombac box buckle, which has a 34mm diameter face plate inset to its obverse, as used prior to 1933. Effectively a smaller version of an early SA box buckle, the face plate features, to its domed center, a spread-winged eagle clutching a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, with the eagle’s head falling on the inside of the ribbed border with simulated twisted rope trim to its inner and outer edges. The ribbed border has a spray of oak leaves to its base, with the eagle’s wings extending into it at the top. The face plate is attached by two soldered spots, visible to the reverse. Also to the reverse is its raised buckle catch, and a prong bar with dual prongs (prongs are pitted but still intact and strong), for the belt’s retaining tongue. Unmarked. Very nice buckle.

GRADE ****                             PRICE $70.00