BACKGROUND: The Hitler Youth originated as the Jugendbund der NSDAP (Youth Union of the NSDAP) in early 1922, as the NSDAP's youth sub-section under control of the SA, and was renamed Hitler Jugend in July 1926. The rain cape was officially introduced in the uniform regulations of 1937 for wear by HJ EM's and junior NCOs.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A mid-calf length, sleeveless, brownish/copper toned rubberized rayon rain cape with a three button front closure and a single metal hook and eye at the neck. The cape has slightly diagonally angled, horizontal slashes with single button closures to each breast for extending the arms outside of the cape. A lay down collar with dual buttons under the left hand side has a removable dual button holed triangular flap. A single button under the right hand collar would allow the triangular flap to be buttoned across the neck opening in inclement weather. There is a small, scalloped tipped yoke to the top of the back and shoulder panels. The yoke overlaps seven small button holed fabric tabs, with corresponding buttons about 17cm below the tabs. The tabs and buttons were designed to be undone to allow extra room when wear of the backpack was required, and to be buttoned for a neater appearance when not required. The interior is partially lined at the upper back and down the inside seams of the front opening, with the balance being in olive/brown rubber. The interior shoulder panel seams have extended vertical fabric tabs to each side, one with a button hole, the other with a corresponding button. The tabs were designed to be buttoned around the wearer's neck when the cape was worn unbuttoned. A black rayon tag is machine stitched to the interior nape of the neck, with golden machine woven Gothic script and the HJ and RZM logos. The script includes, "HJ Regenumhang Von der Reichsjugendführung befohlene Ausführung Reichszeugmeisterei den NSDAP" (HJ Rain Cape By order of the National Youth Leader fulfilled by the National Quartermaster {RZM} of the NSDAP). The tag has a small tear at the HJ diamond logo. The interior nape of the neck also has a small white cotton tag inkstamped, "Lge. 125". The buttons are all the chocolate brown bakelite type, and all appear to have the original stitching. Near mint unused condition.