Coburg Badge (Variant)

April 20, 2012, 3:49 am

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Coburg Badge  (Variant)

Institutedon 14^th October 1932

Rarity – Unique

Known Makers – Unmarked

This award is basically the same as that described in the Coburg Badge with the notable exception that the laurel berries continue round the wreath.  The castle at the top is more defined.  The blade of the sword is broader and comprises of an under part, with a separate over piece, this lies over the enamelled swastika. The swastika is joined to the field that is adjacent to the laurel wreath, so that the tip of the swastika penetrates the field.  The swastika has a raised outer edge line and the field produced is stippled with raised lines.  The fields are then in filled with translucent claret -red enamel.  The whole of the badge is silvered and then artificially patinated.

The reverse is flat with a hinge, 'C' shaped hook and needle pin.

The reason or purpose for this badge is unknown but it is die struck and cannot be produced from the standard badge.  Therefore there must be more of this form of badge in existence than the only example that is known at the present time.

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Coburg Badge

April 20, 2012, 3:57 am

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Coburg Badge

Institutedon 14^th October 1932

Rarity – Extremely Rare

Known Makers – Unmarked

This award consists of an oval, slightly convex, badge that was originally produced in massive bronze.  It has a narrow wreath of laurel leaves round its edge measuring 2 mm across.  These have three leaves in each bunch, with two berries at their tips.  At the base they meet stalk to stalk, without a tie.  There are ten bunches on either side and the top two bunches on either side do not have the laurel berries.  The top leaves meet at a model of CoburgCastle.  The Castle has two spires on the viewer's left with a large roofed building and a small adjacent pinnacle on the right.  At the base there are two little, poorly defined huts set on to a curved ground.  Inside the wreath is a flat field that measures 4 mm, with a raised 0.5 mm line.  The central oval void has a large swastika measuring 16 mm across and the width of the individual arms is 4 mm.  From the top of the badge, superimposed over the castle and swastika, with its tip resting at the joint of the laurel leaf wreath at the base, is a double-edged sword with straight quillons, twisted grip handle and a pronounced ball pommel.  From the top of the pommel to the edge of the lower wreath at the base of the badge, measures 54 mm and the width across the badge measures 39 mm.  The field of the wreath has the inscription, in raised capital letters, starting at the left of the sword's tip, '1922 . MIT HITLER' broken by the quillion and repeated on the right side, 'IN COBURG . 1932'.  The translation of the inscription is, With Hitler in Coburg, 1922 1932.  The field round the lettering is stippled with slightly raised lines.

The reverse is plain with a thin hinge and a pin that has a circular retainer and a 'C' type hook at the bottom.  The pin is not always as described in all cases.  It has also been noted that an example has the numeral '1' stamped on to it.  The thickness of the badge is 4 mm across the thickest part and at the wreath, 2 mm.

Interestingly there is a sketch made of the proposed design, this is purported to have been made by Hitler himself.

Coburg original art drawing.

There is a second version of the badge which is thinner and has the RZM mark on the reverse.  These badges are of later manufacture as the RZM code did not come into being until 1935 and as this award was introduced in 1932, it was impossible for the mark to be applied on the original badges.  It was worn on the left breast of the party uniform above other party awards and badges.

 Coburg Badge RZM Type.

Coburg Badge RZM Type - Reverse.

On the 14^th October 1932 the Duke of Coburg Gotha created this badge to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Adolph Hitler’s march of 14th-15th October 1922 on the City, which gave rise to the Nazi triumph over the Communists in Coburg.  The badge was declared an official party and national decoration in a decree signed by Hitler, on 6th November 1936, who had taken a personal interest in the design.  It had been the highest party award since its inception in 1932 and was held in greater esteem than the Blood Order itself.  This is a rare award as only 436 names were entered on the official party roll of recipients who were entitled to the badge. 

 The Duke of Coburg.

Hitler, the ever optimist, was invited with his party to the city of Coburg, where the city fathers had decided to hold a 'German Day' on 10^th October 1922.  This was to be a folk festival to encourage German rural life.  The city was Marxist controlled and had a population of some 30,000 people.  Its geographical position was some 120 miles east of Frankfurt and about 40 from Schweinfurt.  This gathering afforded him the political platform that he so desperately needed and the chances of political disturbance were high.  This would publicise his embryo party, the greater the political violence the more media attention it would gather. 

Transportation to the venue caused an initial problem, which Hitler overcame in his inimitable manner.  Although his party was without visible funds, he hired a train and every party member who climbed on board bought a ticket, thus defraying the cost.  Such was the ardour of some members they bought two tickets, often with their last Mark.  This resulted in some 700 of his followers and a 42 piece band, setting off in the 'special train' from Munich.  This was virtually the entire membership of the party.

The Marxist town officials were not pleased when they realised the full significance of what was descending on their carefully controlled city.  A uniformed police captain was dispatched to meet the train and announced that the party could not enter the city with band playing and flags flying, as this was against the law.  Hitler brushed the astonished policeman aside and the party marched off in formation, headed by eight massive Bavarians clad in lederhosen and carrying Alpenstocks, forming an escort for Hitler and his confidants Max Amann, Hermann Esser, Dietrich Eckhart, Christian Weber, Ulrich Graf, Alfred Rosenberg and Kurt Ludecke.  They led the seven hundred or so party members with flags flying and a forty-two man band playing triumphantly. 

A massed crowd of some thousands threatened to bar the way and one of its Marxist members began to throw things, leading to a furious fight which lasted approximately fifteen minutes.  The crowd began to join the Nazis and in time they had won over the townsfolk.  That evening Hitler addressed a meeting in the town hall attended by no lesser personages than the Duke and Duchess of Coburg, who were later to become active Nazis.  This speech was to be hailed as one of his triumphs.  After it, and long into the night, fights raged between the Marxists and the Nazis.  The next morning found the city festooned with notices calling for a 'Peoples' Demonstration' that would throw the Nazis out.  The Marxists had made their move.  Hitler made his; he grouped his men and marched them into the square where it was thought that there would be as many as ten thousand townsfolk waiting to annihilate them.  His gamble came off; there were only a few hundred die-hard Marxists.  Their stranglehold, which they had exerted for so long on the city, was broken before the day was out.  Imperial flags were festooned from windows and the rock throwing crowds were replaced by cheering ones.  The Nazis were congratulated at every corner.  The Marxists, reeling from the defeat, announced that they would not let the 'special train' leave.  Hitler, buoyed up by his victory, told the officials that he and his group would run the train themselves but they would first take hostages of every communist they could find and transport them to Munich on their train.  The outcome of this action was not lost on the Marxists, who capitulated to Hitler's demands.  Hitler had one his first decisive victory.  It was to become Nazi folklore and led to the expression, in ardent Nazi circles, 'But were you at Coburg?' 

The Duke of Coburg, flanked on his right by Hitler and Hunline on his left, shows him wearing the badge. However the colour tends to give the impresion of the special silver version.

Sweeda Coburge.

Rosenberg   Alfred

12 January 1893 - 16 October 1946  E.A.

Party Number  18

German National Prize for Art and Science 7 September 1937, Coburg Badge 14 October 1932. Blood Order.

Born in Reval, now Talinin, in Estonia, the son of a shoemaker.  His father was of German extraction, while his mother was of Baltic. He studied architecture in Riga and Moscow, receiving his diploma in Moscow in 1918. Rosenberg witnessed the Bolshevik revolution during his stay in Moscow.  This filled him with revultion for Bolshevik ideology and to escape the mayhem he returned to Reval where he carried out various “anti-Red” propaganda activities. Rosenberg fled to Germany when the Red Army marched towards Estonia. He reached München in 1919 with his hatred for Bolshevism heightened this he soon linked to a fanatical anti-Semitism. Here He made contact with the Thule– Gesellschaft, an organisation from which, to a degree, the NSDAP was latter to emerge. The organisation was a focal point for extreme right – wing forces in Bavaria and maintained relations with many groups in Bavarian society. It was notable for its rabid ant-Semitic propaganda.  Jews were the arch – enemy of the German people and Rosenberg was convinced that the Jews were behind all the events in Estonia and Russia. Members had to be of Aryan desentand consisted of approximately 1500. The used the swastika as their symbol and a newspaper, the Munchener Beobacter, was at their disposal. Dietrich Eckart, a member of the Thule– Gesellschaft, a not very successful journalist, poet and playwright and editor in Chief of the Völkischer Beobachter, played an important role in the first meeting of Rosenberg and Hitler.  It was obvious that a qualified architect such as Rosenberg would make a deep impression on someone like Hitler who had failed to get into architecture school. In 1920 he wrote the first of many books attacking the Jews, setting down in exalted and confusing terms his philosophical concepts on racism.  Hitler was impressed by Rosenberg’s academic posture and shortly before Eckart’s death in 1923, appointed him editor in chief of the Völkischer Beobachter. Hitler saw Rosenberg as the heir of the extreme right-wing “folk” ideologists and the great prophet of the new racist Weltanschauung, the philosophy of life.  The horrors that Hitler would unfold in Mein Kampf were partially taken from Rosenberg. In 1930 his Myth of the Twentieth Century was published and became next to Mein Kampf, the most important book on Nazi theory. This strange difficult to read book was also known as the “catechism of the NSDAP racial religion.” He believed that all races had specific and different physical and mental characteristics. He devided Europeans into five general racial types which, he admitted, had become so inter bread that it was impossible to distinguish them from each other.  However, the “Nordic” race, to be found in Germany, Scandinavia and England was the purest of the five.  The answer was very simple, according to Rosenberg.  All the Germans had to do to “purify their race of impure elements” and regain their “own Nordic character” was to prevent further interbreeding, especially by the “Oriental Jewish race.” After a certain period of time the blood would revert to its pure “Nordic” state. “Nordic” blood would, according to him, cleanse itself of impurities. Although accepted as the mentor of Nazi ideology, Rosenberg was looked upon by the more intelligent Nazis as shallow and intellectually limited.

 

Maurice Emil  - SS-Oberführer

9 January 1897 - 6 February 1972  D.

Party Number 39  SS Number 2

Golden Party Badge, Coburg Badge 14 October 1932, Blood Order No.495 , War Merit Cross Second Class without Swords, SS Honour Ring, SS Honour Sword

He was born in Westmoor, becoming a watch maker by trade, living a life of riot and rowdyness.  In 1919 he joined the German workers’ party, the forerunner of the NSDAP, becoming Hitlers bodyguard and chauffeur.  He took part in the 1923 Putsch and joined the fugitives on its failure, but was captured and imprisoned at Landsberg and become an intimate of Hitlers where he acted as secretary, taking down “Mein Kampf” until Hess took over.  Following his release, he remained in Hitlers inner circle, continuing in his previous role.  Tension broke out between them in 1927 because of his unwanted liaison with Hitlers niece, Geli Raubal, which intensified after her suicide.  This ultimately ousted him from the inner circle.  Nevertheless in June 1934 Maurice was with Hitler on a raid on Röhm and his associates, shooting the homsexual Edmund Heinz and the boy found in his bed.  He is also credited with the murder of Father Stenpfle.  By 1935 the tension between Hitler and Maurice had begun to subside, due in part to Maurice’s application to marry, where, since he was in the SS, the couple were both had to submit proof of Aryan purity.  When Himmler announced that “without question SS-Standartenführer Emil Maurice is, according to his ancestral table, not of Aryan descent”,  Hitler refused to expel him from either the party or the SS.  Himmler was outraged but promotion followed with Maurice becoming SS-Brigadeführer.  From 1940 to 1942 he served as an officer in the Luftwaffe.  He also headed a Munich handicraft works guild.  In 1948 a de-nazification court sentenced him to four years in a labour camp.  He died in Starnbergon the 6 February 1972.

 

A wonderful piece of stained glass to commemorate the event.

Gauleiter Otto Hellmuth wearing the Coburg Badge.

MUTSCHMANN Martin - Gauleiter und Reichsstatthalter / SA-Obergrupenführer / M.d.R

9 March 1879      - June 1948?

Party Number 35

1914 Iron Cross Second Class, Friedrich-August-Medal, 1914 Wound Badge Black Class, 1918; Cross of Honour 1914-18 Combatants, Coburg Badge 14 October 1932, Golden Party Badge, NSDAP Long Service Medal in Bronze 10 years service, NSDAP Long Service Medal in Silver 15 years Service, NSDAP Long Service Medal in Gold 25 years Service.

He was born in Hirschberg an der Saale. He joined the Army in 1901, and was assigned to the 3.Unterelsässicschen Infanterieregiment 138 in Straßburg and served with it until 1903. He volunteered for war service on 4th August 1914 and Served with Reserve-Infanterieregiment 133 on Western Front. He was seriously wounded and hospitalised, in April 1916. Due to his wounds, on 24th December 1916, he was released from service as unfit for field duty. After the war he became a successful Textile manufacturer and factory owner in Plauen. He became a Member of "Deutsch-Völkischen Schutz- und Trutzbund" in 1919. He first joined the NSDAP in 1922 with Party Number 5346 and was on the march to Coburg the 10^th October 1922. During ban on NSDAP, between 1923 and 1925 he was the Landesführer den "Völkischen Block" in Saxony. After the lifting of the ban on the Party following the München Putsch, he Rejoined NSDAP on 2nd June 1925 with Party Number 35. He became Gauleiter of Saxony in 1925, a post he held until 8th May 1945. He was promoted to SA-Obergruppenführer in 1937. The Russians captured Mutschmann in 1945. The most accurate accounts available state that he died in Dresden as a Russian POW in June 1948.

Assignments:

Reichsverteidigungskommissar für den Wehrkreis IV: 1. Sep. 1939 - 8. May 1945.

Landesjägermeister von Sachsen: 28. Feb. 1935 - 8. May 1945.

Ehrenführer der SA bei der Standarte 100 in Dresden: 5. May 1933 -

Reichsstatthalter von Sachsen: 5. May 1933 - 8. May 1945.

Landesinspekteur der NSDAP für Sachsen-Thüringen: 15. Jul. 1932 -

Mitglied des Reichstages (Wahlkreis 30 [Chemnitz-Zwickau]), NSDAP-Fraktion: 14. Sep. 1930 - 8. May 1945.

Coburg Badge - Fakes.

Coburg Badge - Fake reverse.

Note the makers mark SWB in a clover leave. The SBW cloverleaf mark applied as a spoof BSW trademark to cast but good quality copies - not intended to deceive -  and was applied to all sorts of badges made around twenty-five years ago by the Londoner Sean Barry Weske, who now lives in California.

Coburg Badge - Fantersy.



German Expert Horseman’s Badge

April 25, 2012, 11:34 am

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German Expert Horseman’s Badge. 

Institutedon 23rd February 1937

Rarity – Extremely rare

Known Makers – Ernst L. Müller, Pforzheim

This award consists of a circular badge that measures 50 mm high by 51.5 mm wide, with a wreath of oak leaves running round the outside which comprises of nine single leaves, laid tip over stalk and meeting at the apex tip to tip.  At the base is a raised circle with the SA symbol, which measures 10.5 mm.  On to the recessed flat field is superimposed a rider dressed in SA uniform, mounted on a horse performing piaffe. 

The reverse is plain with a hinge and hook that are attached to an oblong plate that is then sweated to the body of the badge.  Beneath this is the four-digit issue number, which is prefixed by a nought if less than four.  The manufacturer's name is beneath this in small, stamped capital letters, 'ERNST L. MÜLLER, PFORZHEIM'.  The logo of Paul Casberg is beneath, 'PC'.  The overall colour of the badge is silver that has been artificially patinated.

SA-Obergruppenführer Litzmann, the head of the Nationalsozialistisches Reiterkorps - NSRK, instituted this award on 23rd February 1937.  This was to encourage riding and horse management among its members.  The National Socialist Riding Corps was first formed in March 1936 and was mainly independent but was subordinate to the SA in so far that Litzmann was under the authority of the chief of the SA, Victor Lutze. 

The conditions of award of the badge were;

a) Passing with a 'merit' the riding and horse-drawn vehicles

   Proficiency test.

b) Be capable of instructing others in horsemanship.

c) Possess the qualities of leadership.

d) Have gained the SA Sports Badge.

e) Have served one year as an officer in the NSRK.

The badge was worn on the lower left breast of any uniform and took precedence over all other riding badges, excluding them from being worn in conjunction with this award.  It was awarded with a citation and presentation box both of which are unknown to the author.

Litzmann Karl Sigmind - Governor-General

1 August 1893   31 July 1949 D.

Party Number

Cross of Honour 1914-18 Combatants, 1914 Wound Badge Black Class, Danzig Cross 1^st Class, Golden Party Badge,

Karl-Sigis also referred to as Karl Sigmind Litzmann was born in Minden. He entered the Military in 1911 as a Fahnenjunker Jag rgt z Pferde 6. He served throughout the First Word War and was wounded three times.   Litzmann join the NSDAP in 1929 and rose to high rank within the SA even before Hitler came to power in 1933. He was promoted SA-Gruppenführer in 1931 and SA-Obergruppenführer on 27.6.1933. He was leader of SA Group “Ostland” in 1932, but this had nothing to do with what was later termed the “Ostland”, and this Group covered East Prussia and Danzig. It was later renamed SA-Gruppe “Tannenberg”. By 1934 he was leader of SA- Obergruppe II and was based in Stettin, this controlled three SA Groups. He was responsible for horse breeding and control. The National Socialist Riding Corp (N.S.R.K.) was first formed in March 1936. It was largely independent but was subordinate to the SA in so far as it’s commander, Litzmann, was under the authority of Victor Lutz, the Chief of the SA. To encourage riding and horsemanship, Litzmann instituted on 23^rd February 1937 a special award, the German Expert Horseman’s Badge for members of the N.S.R.K. by late 1937 he was national training inspector for riding and driving with his Head Quarters in Berlin, a post he held until his appointment as Governor of Estonia in 1941. Litzmann was brought in to rule the country as Governor-General, supported by a Provincial Governor. In fact who exercised most power in German occupied Estonia was neither the military hierarchy nor politically appointed Governor-General Litzman. It was the misleadingly junior SS-Sturmbannführer Dr Martin Sandberger who after leading Sonderkommando 1a of Einsatzgruppe A into Estonia in the summer of 1941 had been installed in Tallinn in December of that year as commander of the German Security Police and SD in Estonia.

1911 Fahnenjunker Jag rgt z Pferde 6.
1913/14 offizier Reitschule.
1914/18: Res. Inf. rgt 261, generalkommando XXXX Res. korps, GardeFüss rgt as Ord offizier, kp führer, rgt adj, bat führer.
1919 FK Freiw. Landesschutzenkorps.
1920 Landwirt at Althof-Didlaken.
1929 join NSDAP.
1931 SA-Gruppenführer u F SA Gruppe Ostland.
1932 F Selbstandige SA-Gruppe Ostland (Konigsberg).
1933 -1939 Preuss. Staatsrat.
1933 FSAObergruppeI.
27.6.1933 SA-Obergruppenführer.
1934 F SA Obergruppe II.
1936 Reichsinspekteur für Reit und Fahr ausbildung und F SA Reiterkorps.
1932 Mitgied der Landstag (Prussia).
12.11.1933 MdR.
1934 Mitglied des Volksgerichthofes.
1941 - 1944 Generalkommissar fur Estland (zv führer stab Osaf).

SA - Cavalry personnel prepare for a mounted compertion.

 German Expert Horseman’s Badge Fake.

The badge should be made of aluminium; this badge is a heavier metal. The obverse shows signs of light pitting, a signe of casting. The reverse tells all, the makers mark is raised as is the Paul Caseberg LOGO. This should be incused. Thus showing that the badge was a casting. The pin assembly is also totally incorrect.

Hitler Youth Expert Skier Badge

April 25, 2012, 11:49 am

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Hitler Youth Expert Skier Badge.                

Institutedon 1934?

Rarity – Extremely Rare

Known Makers –Wittman, München, F Hoffstätter, Bonn.

This badge comprises of a circle that measures 60 mm and has a width of 6 mm.  On to this, in raised capital letters is, 'SKI HJ. FÜHRER'.  A pair of crossed skis is superimposed across the badge.  Over their centre is an edelweiss incorporating the enamelled HJ membership diamond.  The skis measure 77 mm long and they are soldered to the circle at their four meeting points. There are subtle differences in the badges constructed by Wittmann and Hoffstätter, which can be detected by observing the badges from the obverse. The upper ends of the Skies on the Hoffstätter badges have a more pronounced “hook”, and the tip of the large petal of the Edelweiss at the “five o clock” position lies on top of the centre line of the ski, while those on the Wittmann examples touches but does not overlap the centre line 

The reverse of the circle is plain with the maker's name impressed in small, capital letters that are found in two lines, 'WITTMAN, MÜNCHEN', or ‘F HOFFSTÄTTER, BONN’ and similarly impressed 'Ges. Gesch'. The reverse of the edelweiss shows the negative of the obverse.  There are two needle pins, and hinge and hook attachments.  The whole of the badge is very finely constructed and finished in silver that is artificially patinated with an old smoke effect. It is highly possible that these two companies were not the true makers of the award, but the distributors of it.

The specific criteria for award of the badge are unknown but it is probable that some form of rigid alpine skiing test was undertaken to earn the award.  This could also have encompassed first aid and other leadership qualities.  The date of institution is unknown but the badge is shown in an HJ manual for 1934, which describes it as being for the HJ, BDM and JM.  It is most probable that this was given as a mark of qualification upon passing their tests prior to becoming recognised instructors in those organisations.  It must therefore be considered in this light rather than an actual award. When awarded the HJ Ski Leader’s Badge was presented in a fitted case with press-stud button. The colour of the case and liner are not known. The citation that accompanied the award is also not unknown, as is the length of time this very rare badge was in being.

Hitler Youth Expert Skier Badge -  Questionable.

Hitler Youth Expert Skier Badge - FAKES.

 

Medallion for the Furthering of the Hitler Youth Hostel Building Programme

April 27, 2012, 10:25 am

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Medallion for the Furthering of the Hitler Youth Hostel Building Programme

Instituted– 1937

Rarity –Very Rare.

Known Makers – G.H. Mayer

This medallion measures 70 mm across and has a field that is flat and slightly dished from the edge.  On to this is superimposed a very fine three-dimensional eagle that holds an oak leaf wreath of single leaves, six on either side, in its talons.  On to the wreath's field is superimposed the HJ membership diamond, its upper tip just touching the inner claw of the eagle's foot and the lower one just breaking the outer, lower line of the wreath.  There is a circular, scrolled banner that runs from beneath the eagle's wing and over its head to return beneath the other wing.  On to this, in raised Gothic script, is the inscription, 'HEIM DES HITLER JUGEND', which translates to, Home of the Hitler Youth.

The reverse has a flat field with the six-line inscription at the centre, in normal capital letters, 'FÜR DIE, FÖRDERUNG, DER, HEIMBESCHAFFUNG, DER, HITLER - JUGEND'.  Beneath this is a raised sprig of four oak leaves and one acorn.  The inscription translates to, For the Furthering or Sponsoring of the Hitler Youth Hostel Building Programme.  Round the bottom edge of the medallion, in small raised capital letters, is the manufacturer's name, 'G.H. Mayer. Pforzheim.' 

The medallion is struck from tomback that is nickel-plated and then artificially patinated.  This plating could be of genuine silver. 

The medallion was instituted in 1937 by Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach who had, from 1934 onwards, coined an annual slogan that was to indicate what aspect of HJ activity was to be stressed in the coming twelve months.  1937 was known as Jahr des Heimbeschaffung or the Year of Hostel Building and for those who had energetically assisted in this programme, this award was presented.  Whether the criteria was for the overseeing of construction of hostels, gathering donations of money to facilitate the building, the actual donation of property suitable for conversion or sites for hostels to be built on, is unknown.  It is also believed that the award was only issued for the period of the year of the programme.  The numbers awarded are unknown but believed to be very small.  The case is black simulated leather with black velvet base and white satin lid liner. The award is recessed in the base. The base has a cardboard stand on the reverse to allow it to be placed in a standing position. The citation for this medallion is unknown to the author.

Decoration for the Students Federation

April 27, 2012, 10:32 am

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Decoration for the Students Federation     

Institutedon 9 March 1934

Rarity – Very rare

Known Makers– Unmarked

This is a small oval badge that measures 18 mm by 16 mm, which is constructed in two parts, the NSD St. B or Students Federation membership badge and the oak leave wreath, which forms the base plate. The wreath is formed of overlapping oak leaves; three bunches of two and a single meeting on each side, tip to tip.  The base has a protrusion that has a tie on either side.  The leaves are very well defined and at the centre is a swastika in a diamond shape, the membership badge for the NSD St. B.  The arms are black and the upper and lower fields red, while the lateral ones are white.  The diamond sits into the recess of the wreath. The badge and wreath are in silver wash that is artificially patinated.  The reverse is flat and has a long needle pin soldered to its centre.  On the upper section is stamped the issue number in small numerals. Numbers have been encountered as high as 4060.

This is the NSD St. B's equivalent of the Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge, for membership and this was counted in this case before 30th January 1933.  It has been suggested that only about 4000 of this award were bestowed. Further criteria for the award, apart from that given, are unknown by the author as is the citation and the box that accompanied the award.

The Reich’s student leader instituted it on 9th March 1934 for all members who had been active before 30th January 1933, when the Students Federation was still on a voluntary basis. National – Socialist students groups had been formed at some German universities as early as 1922, but these were simply student companies of the SA. It was not until February 1926 that a separate student organisation was established at München University by Wilhelm Temple. It received Hitler’s blessing in July and Tempel was confirmed as its Bundesführer. Before the end of the year there were some 20 groups in existence. In 1927 Temple transferred to Leipzig University. It was not a move calculated to further his career as Student leader since it removed him from Bavaria, the very heartland of the Nazi movement. His attempts to recruit “Worker students” involved him in ideological conflicts with the Party and he resigned in July 1928.

His successor was a twenty-year-old München student Baldur von Schirach, who proved to be an energetic and competent leader. He organised the NSD St. B into ten regions, each under a Kreisführer directly answerable to him. They wore black uniforms and an organisational emblem that was a black vertical, elongated swastika. At first NSD St. B members had to enrol in the NSDAP, but in 1929 this rule was waived. Membership of the NSD St. B was now extended to include students at Technical High Schools, Trade Schools and business colleges. The proportion of NSD St. B members at established universities was actually lower than at these other centres of further education. The removal of the necessity of belonging to the NSDAP meant that the NSD St. B could no longer rely on financial support from the Party. It had to be largely self-financing, with the result that its leaders often had to pay for its propaganda material out of their own pockets. Members were encouraged to join the SA and take part in the “Wehrsports” or “War Sport” training, which that organisation provided. But less than half did so. For those who wished to avail themselves of this form of paramilitary exercise, an alternative was established in the Langemarck Student Companies established in 1929 by Steel Helmet War Veterans Association. At the time of Hitler’s accession to power in January 1933 the NSD St. B had only 6300 male members and 750 female. In July 1933 the SA was granted a monopoly over all forms of “Wehrsports”. The “Der, Stahlhelm', or the Steel Helmet’s Studentenrin Langemarck was voluntarily subordinated to the NSD St. B, but in April 1934, like its Steel Helmet parent, it lost its identity altogether. The SA then tried to assert its authority over the entire student body. In September 1933 SA offices were opened at all German universities: students, whether NSD St. B members or not, were exhorted to sign on in an SA unit. In February 1934 it became obligatory for them to do so. But the SA’s dominance in this field was short lived. In June 1934 Hitler “purged” the SA by having most of its leading members shot. The SA offices at universities throughout the country were quietly shut down. At the same time the NSD St. B lost its former semi – independent status and became an integrated organ of the NSDAP. Enrolment in the NSD St. B was not, however, made obligatory, indeed its membership was deliberately restricted to 5% of the student body.

Hansgeorg Lopatta 14 May 1944.

Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge

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Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge – Iron, Bronze and Silver Class.

Instituted  - June 1934

Rarity – Common, Scarce, Scarce.

Known Makers– M/34, M/36, M/63, M/101,

The basic design of these three badges is the same with only the colour of the Class differing to indicate the grade of the award.  The badge comprises of a Tyr-Rune or runic T, which measures 51 mm high and 6 mm across the arm.  On to this is superimposed a circle that measures 30 mm across and 7 mm wide, with a voided centre.  Upon this is a swastika, which is just proud of the rest of the badge.  The gaps between the arms of the swastika have nine fine 'V' shaped lines.  On to the flat field of the circle is superimposed, in raised sham runic script, 'FÜR LEISTUNEN IN DER HJ', which translates to, For Proficiency in the HJ.

The Iron Class finish was white metal painted black, with the swastika and lettering left the base colour.  The Bronze Class finish was a bronze wash applied over a white metal badge that was then artificially patinated.  The Silver Class finish, was likewise silvered and darkly patinated on the circle and swastika, with the highlights of the letters polished.

The reverse was plain with a pin that varied in size and was held to the centre of the swastika with a plate.  The design of this can also vary quite considerably.  It has the RZM logo and the M1/ and the maker's number with the badge issue number stamped in.  An A B or C grade to denote the proficiency achieved in the relevant class, was sometimes stamped on the reverse of the badge but most examples are without this, as the entry in the proficiency book was relied upon as proof of attainment.

The award was instituted in three classes in June 1934 by Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach, as an incentive to improve the physical and ideological proficiency of the varying age groups of the growing membership of the Hitler Youth.  It was stated at the time that the HJ achievement badge was a prestigious award which every fit and ambitious Hitler boy and HJ leader should aim for. It was only to be awarded by the Reichsjugendführer to those who meet the stringent requirements that had been laid down. Those who wished to be awarded the badge would have to take a very keen part in at least 8 ideology study periods. These would be held as part of weekly meetings. All members of the Hitler Youth were issued a Leistungsbuch to record the achievements of the members and then to act as a certificate of proficiency. For members of the Marine-HJ and the Motor-HJ there were to be additional tasks, which would test the disciplines specific to these respective organisations. DJ and HJ boys were issued a book with one set of grading standards while the JM and BDM girls were given a book with another set. The award was primarily intended to test the abilities of the members in the following areas, Sport, Small-calibre (or air-rifle) shooting and Field Exercises.

The achievement badge was awarded on three levels:

Iron Class  - (Grades A, B, C). 

This class could be awarded to DJ and HJ members, and was restricted to boys of fifteen years old.  After 26th September 1935 with the introduction of the German Youth Proficiency Badge, the DJ members were no longer eligible and took a qualifying test for their own badge.

 Bronze Class -  (Grades A, B, C).

This badge was awarded to sixteen-year-old boys of the Hitler Youth.

Silver Class -  (Grades A, B, C).

This badge was awarded to seventeen-year-old boys of the Hitler Youth.

The members undertook a test leading to an award of the badge that consisted of a four-part test, which showed clearly how all HJ training was military oriented. 

a) Sports, athletics and gymnastics. 100 metres sprint, 300 metres

   run, long jump, putting the shot, throwing the hammer,

   Horizontal bar exercises and swimming.

b) Shooting with air rifles from the prone position, grenade

   throwing with dummies.

c) Field exercises, route marching in full kit, map

   reading, distance judging, effective use of terrain and

   camouflage.

d) Political knowledge. This comprised a slight knowledge of

   history and the absorption of Nazi dogma.

The tests were the same for all three age groups but the scoring varied.

15 year olds

100 metres sprint - 15 seconds, to swim for 5 minutes, to march with full pack for 10 kilometres.

16 year olds

100 metres sprint - 14.5 seconds, to swim for 10 minutes, to march with full pack for 20 kilometres.

17 year olds

100 metres sprint - 14 seconds, to swim for 15 minutes, to march with full pack for 25 kilometres.

The fourth test of political knowledge was dropped during the war, when the emphasis was on physical fitness and Para-military training.  The flying HJ, motor HJ and marine HJ had additional tests appropriate to their speciality.  The regulations also stated that where swimming facilities were not available, speed cycling could be substituted.  The route march had time limits within which the distance had to be covered and these also varied with age. Capable people should be educated to become strong in mind and body and to be filled with national socialist will. These awards did not require exceptionally high individual achievement. Good results in all aspects of physical fitness would however be required. The aim was a varied and harmonious physical education for each German boy and the physical toughening of Germany's youth in general with a unified aim and a clear direction.

Requirements for the achievement tests

Level A - 15 yrs

100m dash - 15secs
3000m run - 15mins
Long-jump - 3.75m
Club-throwing (lane width 10m - club weight 500g) - 25m
Shot-putt - 6m
Chin-ups - 2
Swimming* - 100m no time limit or
endurance swimming 5mins or
Cycling (where swimming cannot be arranged) - 10km no time limit

* mandatory unless no opportunity for swimming is available within 1 hour marching distance

Level B - 16 yrs

100m dash - 14.5secs
3000m run - 14mins 30 secs
Long-jump - 4m
Club-throwing ( - 30mlane width 10m - club weight 500g)
Shot-putt - 6.75m
Chin-ups - 3
Swimming* - 200m or
endurance swimming - 10mins or
Cycling (where swimming cannot be arranged) - 15km in 40mins

* mandatory unless no opportunity for swimming is available within 1 hour marching distance

Level C - 17 yrs and above

100m dash - 14secs
3000m run - 14mins
Long-jump - 4.25m
Club-throwing (lane width 10m - club weight 500g) - 35m
Shot-putt - 7.5m

Chin-ups - 4
Swimming* - 300m or
endurance swimming - 15mins or
Cycling (where swimming cannot be arranged) - 20km in 50mins

* mandatory unless no opportunity for swimming is available within 1 hour marching distance


Aiming and marching exercises:

Level A (15yrs)

1. Club-throwing accuracy test - no run-up. Club weight 500g. Wearing HJ uniform less marching equipment. Target: 4m diameter circle placed at a distance of 15m.

5 throws - 3 must hit the target.

2. Shooting:
Small-calibre*, target distance 50m. 12-ring target with rings spaced 1cm apart. Each shot is to be indicated before firing is resumed.

5 shots in the prone supported position. No shot is to be worth less than 4 points. Alternatively: 5 hits on target to achieve a total of 25 points or more.

* If facilities for small-calibre shooting are unavailable for levels A and B then it is permitted to conduct the test using air-rifles. Distance to target 8m, 12-ring target with rings spaced 0.5cm apart. The requirements for levels A and B are the same as for small-calibre shooting.

3. Marching in HJ uniform

10km to be completed in a time between 2 and 2 1/2 hours carrying extra weight of 5kg.

Level B (16 yrs) and Level C (17+) level of difficulty increases as follows:

Club-throwing accuracy test: distance increases to 20m for Level B and 25m for Level C. Shooting: Level B.

5 shots prone position, weapon supported. No shot to be worth less than 5 points. Alternatively: 5 shots on target to achieve a total of 30 points or more.
5 shots prone position, weapon unsupported. No shot to be worth less than 4 points. Alternatively: 5 shots on target to achieve a total of 25 points or more.

Shooting: Level C. (must be small-calibre)

5 shots prone position, weapon supported. No shot to be worth less
than 6 points. Alternatively: 5 shots on target to achieve a total of
35 points or more.
5 shots prone position, weapon unsupported. No shot to be worth less
than 5 points. Alternatively: 5 shots on target to achieve a total of 30 points or more.

Marching: distance increases to 15km to be completed in a time between 3 and 3 3/4 hours for Level B and to 20km to be completed in a time between 4 and 5hrs for Level C. Excess weight remains at 5kg for Level B but rises to 7.5kg for Level C.

III. Field Exercises

1. Ground appreciation

Level A - not tested
Level B and Level C - Describe geographical features and identify cover in a section of ground 100m wide and 300m deep

2. Map appreciation
Level A - Demonstrate knowledge of map symbols on a 1:100,000-scale map.
Level B - Find direction-using compass. March to a point (2km-3km distance) marked on a 1:1000.000 scale map.
Level C - Establish direction using compass, watch and the stars. March to a point marked on a 1:1000.000 scale map. Point to be 2-3km distant. Pinpoint the positions of two locally visible geographical features on a 1:1000,000 scale map.

3. Target appreciation.

Level A - Identify and correctly describe two obvious ground features at a distance up to 150m
Level B - Identify and correctly describe two less obvious ground features at a distance up to 250m
Level C - Identify and correctly describe two obvious ground features and two less visible ground features at a distance up to 400m

The tests are considered successfully passed if at least 50% of the features are identified and described correctly.

4. Distance appreciation

Level A - correctly estimate the distances to 2 features situated between 50m and 250m away from the viewer.
Level B - correctly estimate the distances to 3 features situated between 50m and 400m away from the viewer
Level C - correctly estimate the distances to 4 features situated between 50m and 800m away from the viewer

Errors greater than 30% constitute a fail.

5. Making of Reports

Level A - Demonstrate knowledge of the contents of a verbal report. Fill out a report card
Level B - Memorise and pass a simple verbal report
Level C - Pass a self-prepared verbal report concerning an enemy position.

6. Camouflage

Level A - Show how locally available materials can be used as camouflage.
Level B - Show how locally available materials can be used as camouflage. Prepare personal camouflage for use in easy ground.
Level C - Show how locally available materials can be used as camouflage. Prepare personal camouflage for use in easy ground. Prepare personal camouflage for use in difficult ground.

7. Approach to the enemy

Level A - complete a hidden approach to an enemy position 100m distant in easy ground.
Level B - complete a hidden approach to an enemy position 200m distant in easy ground.
Level C - exploit ground features to reconnoitre an enemy position 400m distant.

Those were the requirements for the standard HJ achievement badges. The Motor-HJ and the Marine-HJ had specific tests, which replaced parts of the standard testing. Translation continues:

Note: The Motor HJ and Marine-HJ were awarded the same achievement badge (HJ-Leistungsabzeichen) as all other sections of the Hitler Youth but the testing included a section specific to both specialist arms and I'll detail this below. Only boys aged 16 and 17 years or over (Level B and C) were subject to these additional tests.

Motor-HJ

III Motorsport

1. Engines

Level A: Answer three questions of a technical nature. One question to include the drawing of a diagram.
Level B: Answer five questions of a technical nature. Two questions to include the drawing of a diagram.

2. Traffic Regulations

Level A: Answer three questions on traffic regulations. One question to include the drawing of a diagram.
Level B: Answer five questions of a traffic regulations. Two questions to include the drawing of a diagram.

3. Traffic Law

Level A: Answer three questions on traffic law.

Level B: Answer five questions on traffic law.

4. Driving

Level A: Answer three questions related to the actions of a driver before, during and after a journey. Replace the front wheel of a vehicle.


Level B: Assess the condition of a vehicle (to be provided) with regard to traffic regulations. Replace the rear wheel of a vehicle. Perform two driving skill tests. Complete a cross-country drive over moderate to difficult terrain.

Marine-HJ specific tests

The Marine-HJ was not required to complete the foot march over 10, 15 or 20km

Swimming difficulty level for Marine-HJ increased to:

Level A: 300m swim to be completed in 12 minutes or endurance swim of 15mins.
Level B: 300m swim to be completed in 10 minutes or endurance swim of 20mins.
Level B: 300m swim to be completed in 9 minutes or endurance swim of 30mins.


Some of the things mentioned in the following section are not tests but rather prerequisites. See 'Seamanship' which indicates that the disciplines were not tested but rather that they were prerequisites for any boy wishing to achieve his badge. Much like the requirement to have a pen in your hand if you plan to write a letter.

.
IIIa Marine Sport

1. Crew tasksa.) Knots and splices
Level A: Tie 3 knots
Level B: Attach ropes to posts or clamps using 5 different knots.
Level C: Attach ropes to posts or clamps using 5 different knots and one splice.b.) Throw a heaving line
Level A: 10m
Level B: 12.5m
Level C: 15mc.) Seamanship
Level A: Conduct of a passenger in a rowing boat. Rowing to a tempo.
Level B: Practical knowledge of boat types and associated equipment. Complete full rowing training. Learn basic sailing terminology.
Level C: Knowledge of commands for the crew of a rowing boat. Conduct whilst in command of a rowing boat. Sailing in easy conditions.e.) Marine Navigation
Level A: Knowledge of the division of the compass in lines and degrees.
Level B: As for Level A but with the following additions: knowledge of basic avoidance (anti-collision) rules and of navigation lights.
Level C: As for Level B but with the following additions: knowledge of communication at sea.

2. Signalsa.) Semaphore
Level A: 90 letters in 5 minutes. Maximum of 6 mistakes allowed.
Level B: 90 letters in 4mins 30 secs. Maximum of 6 mistakes allowed.
Level C: 90 letters in 4mins. Maximum of 6 mistakes allowed.b.) Morse code
Level A: 90 letters in 10 minutes. Maximum of 8 mistakes allowed.
Level B: 90 letters in 9 minutes. Maximum of 8 mistakes allowed.
Level C: 90 letters in 8 minutes. Maximum of 8 mistakes allowed.

In 1934 issue figures were; Bronze 35900 and Silver 76100.  War brought not only a great expansion of numbers conferred but also an extension of eligibility to non German counterparts who were boys from the pro Nazi movements of occupied Europe, so by the end of 1943 when the last accurate statistics were available, the numbers awarded had risen to; Bronze 103061 and Silver 217093.

Early regulations were unclear as to where the award would be worn and it was usually worn on the right side.  However, later regulations specified that it would be worn on the left breast pocket.  The badge could be worn by members of the HJ, SA, SS, RAD and the military on their uniform.  A cloth version was worn on the athletic shirt and a miniature version was authorised for wear on the lapel of civilian clothes. 

 Miniature Version.

Silver Class -  (Grades A, B, C).in cloth on Black backing.

Silver Class -  (Grades A, B, C).in cloth on Black backing in wear.

The HJ-Leistungs Badge being presented by an HJ-Bannführer.

Decoration of the High Command of the Hitler Youth for Distinguished Foreigners

April 28, 2012, 4:30 am

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Decoration of the High Command of the Hitler Youth for Distinguished Foreigners.

Institutedon 1941

Rarity – Very Rare

Known Makers– Unmarked                

This is an oval badge that measures 34 mm by 28 mm and is slightly convexed.  It has a fine raised edge line and a similar one indented from it by 2 mm.  Into the tramline is the inscription in small raised capital letters, 'HITLER JUGEND'.  The resultant field is in filled with chocolate-brown opaque enamel.  The central field is in filled with off-white opaque enamel.  The raised metal parts of the badge are gilded and on to the body of the badge is placed a broad winged political eagle, the wings overlapping the edge of the badge.  It is clutching the Hitler Youth membership badge in its claws, which is finely executed.  The HJ diamond is superimposed over a pair of oak leaves that protrude vertically across the badge.  Where the eagle's claws clasp the leaves is an acorn on either side.  The eagle measures 28 mm from the tip of the HJ diamond to the top of the head and the wingspan is 32 mm.  The HJ diamond measures 18 mm by 12 mm.  All the metal parts of the eagle and HJ badge are finished in matt silver.

The reverse is plain with three holes with rivets.  Across the back is an oblong plate, which has a crimp in the middle, through which runs the safety-pin clip.  The oblong plate measures 14 mm by 5.5 mm.  The whole of the reverse is gilded with the portion of the rivets that protrudes being silver.

This badge was instituted in 1941 by the Hitler Youth High Command, to reward service to the Hitler Youth on the part of foreign nationals.  It could only be conferred upon non-Germans. It was issued from 1941 onwards to lower and middle ranks of foreign youth organisations. The higher ranks were awarded with the Golden HJ Honour Badge with Oak leaves. This award probably was not awarded above 350 times, making it a very rare award.  The citation that accompanied it as well as the presentation box is unknown to the author.

It has been stated that, 'examples in which the outer edge is green and also red, exist.  It is fairly certain that these later badges were only projected or pilot types, never actually issued.  I have also seen an example that has a yellow edge.  It has been intimated that the purpose of the colours was to differentiate between the various nationalities and races.  Red was for Hungarian and Rumanian youth personnel, green for Italians, Brown for the Nordic and more Arian peoples of France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.  It has been suggested that the yellow could have been for Ukrainians and peoples of that area.  Wilhelm Kube was appointed governor of Belorussia in 1941 where his ruthless administration aroused the ire of the Soviets but he was successful in recruiting the youth for the equivalent of the Hitler Youth movement.  I am fairly certain that these three forms are, at best, 'pilot' examples but fear that they are very high grade copies produced in the early '70's in Austria, along with some enamelled oval Red Cross throat awards. 

Decoration of the High Command of the Hitler Youth for Distinguished Foreigners - FAKES.

These 'Muster' (pattern) boards were first seen in the 1970s at Militaria Shows in the UK, as well as Militaria and Gun shows in the US.  They are very high grade copies produced in the early '70's in Austria, along with some enamelled oval Red Cross throat awards. These reproductions fooled many unwary collectors and dealers in the 70s and early 80s. The badges are silvered metal and enamel with rivets to hold the various parts together. The red and green bordered examples are considered fantasy items, as the original awards were only made with a brown enamel border. The brown example on the card here is not an original, though.

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Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge with Oak Leaves

May 5, 2012, 3:34 am

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Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge with Oak Leaves. Type A.    

Institutedon 1935

Rarity – Extremely Rare

Known Makers – Unmarked

 

 

This badge is slightly larger than the Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge being 32 mm by 19 mm and follows the same design save that the outer border has been enhanced by the addition of a row of oak leaves, four on each side of the diamond. The oak leaves run from the bottom of the diamond were they are joined by a tie and lay over each other meeting at the top of the diamond tip to tip. This boarder is 2 mm thick.   The badge is constructed in two parts, the HJ Diamond and the diamond wreath that forms the base plate. The diamond sits into the recess of the wreath. The quality of the badge is superior and is normally produced in gold with an assay mark 585, which is found on the reverse.

The reverse is flat and is polished. It has a small ball hinge, with a fine needle pin. The hook is a delicate C form. Directly below the pin are two raised rivets that are filed flat on their tops. This type of badge is that which is illustrated in “Orden und Ehrenzeichen im Dritten Reich” by Dr. Heinrich Doehle. This was published in 1939.

It was worn on the left breast pocket of the uniform.

The award was instituted in 1935 by Balder von Schirach and was classed as a party decoration.  It could be awarded by Hitler and Balder von Schirach, who personally presented the award to the recipient.  This is the only party decoration that could be awarded independently of Hitler.

It was awarded for;

1) Exceptional service in the HJ.

2) Exceptional service to the HJ.

It could be awarded to;

1) Hitler Youth members.

2) Germans who were not members of the Hitler Youth.

3) It could be conferred upon foreign nationals.

It has been estimated that no more than 250 of the badge were awarded, thus making this one of the very rare awards of the Third Reich.

It was awarded with a Document in a folder. The citation was titled “Das Goldene Ehrenzeichen der Hitler Jugend”, with no mention of the addition of oak leaves, although the badge emblem on the citation clearly shows the oak leaf design. It was printed in coloured text, with the Recipients details being hand written and signed by Reichsleiter Baldur von Schirach. The presentation box is unknown to the author.

Bartels Adolf - Prof. Dr.

Himmler Heinrich - Reichsführer-SS u. Chef der Deutschen Polizei.

Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge with Oak Leaves. Type B.    

Institutedon 1935

Rarity – Extremely Rare

Known Makers – Un marked

This badge is considerably larger than the Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge and is larger than the former badge, measuring 36 mm by 21 mm and follows the same design of that badge, save that the outer border in this case has been enhanced by 4 escutcheons one at each corner of the diamond. The addition of a row of 4 oak leaves, between the esscutions, runs from the bottom tip upwards on either side of the diamond. From the apex on either side of the diamond they run downwards. This boarder is 2.5 mm thick.   The badge is constructed in two parts, the HJ Diamond and the diamond wreath that forms the base plate. The diamond sits into the recess of the wreath. The quality of the badge is superior and gives the impression of having been hand engraved. It can be produce in three different forms, in gold with an assay mark 585, silver guilt with an assay mark .835, both of which are found stamped on the reverse and fine zinc.

The reverse in the case of the gold and silver guilt badges is flat and polished. They have a small ball hinge, with a fine needle pin. The hook is a delicate C form. In the case of the zinc badge the pin is a one-piece safety pine type attached to the reverse by a round plate.

This type of badge is that which is illustrated by a picture on the funeral pillow of Dr. Fritz Todt.

 The funeral pillow of Dr. Fritz Todt.

Close up of the award on the funeral pillow of Dr. Fritz Todt.

Golden HJ Honour Badge with Oak leaves.

NAME	First Name	Rank	Date
Amann	Max	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Reichsleiter
Axmann	Artur	Reichsjugendführer
Bader	Hans	SS-Obersturmführer der Reserve
Bartels	Adolf Prof. Dr .		15.11.1942
Berger	Gottlob	SS-Obergruppenführer	30.01.1944
Blaschke	Hans	SS-Brigadeführer
Blaschke	Hugo Dr .	SS-Brigadeführer Professor
Blaschke	Johann	SS-Brigadeführer
Bouhler	Philipp	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Reichsleiter	22.10.1943
Brenner	Karl Heinrich	SS-Gruppenführer
Buch	Walter	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Reichseiter
Cerff	Karl	SS-Brigadeführer
Dorpmüller	Julius	Reichsminister
Fick	Jakob	SS-Standartenführer
Florian	Karl	Gauleiter
Frank	Karl Hermann	SS-Obergruppenführer	15.03.1939
Funk	Walther	Reichsminister
Ganzenmüller	Albert Dr .	Staatssekretär
Glaser	Franz	SS-Hauptsturmführer
Greiser	Arthur	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Gauleiter
Hahn	Franz	Oberleutnant
Hanke	Karl	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Gauleiter
Hellermann	Vollrath von	Oberst	30.01.1944
Himmler	Heinrich	Reichsführer-SS	20.01.1938
Jury	Hugo Dr .	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Gauleiter
Klagges	Dietrich	SS-Obergruppenführer
Klein	Emil	HJ-Obergebietsführer
Koch	Erich	Gauleiter, Reichskommissar
Lauterbacher	Hartmann	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Gauleiter	26.05.1933
Ley	Robert	Reichsleiter
Lohse	Rudolf	SS-Brigadeführer
Manteuffel	Hasso von	General der Panzertruppe
Meyer	Alfred Dr .	Reichsstatthalter Gauleiter	13.10.1938
Möckel	Helmut	HJ-Stabsführer
Ohnesorge	Wilhelm	Reichsminister
Reinecke	Hermann	General der Infanterie
Rosenberg	Alfred Dr .	Reichsminister
Sauckel	Fritz	Generalbevollmächtigter für den Arbeitseinsatz
Scheel	Gustav-Adolf	SS-Obergruppenführer
Scheel	Gustav-Adolf Dr .	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Gauleiter
Schirach	Baldur von	Reichsjugendführer
Schmundt	Rudolf	General der Infanterie
Schwarz	Franz Xaver	SS-Oberstgruppenführer u. Reichsleiter
Schwerin-Krosigk	Lutz Graf von	Reichsminister
Seyss-Inquart	Arthur Dr .	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Reichskommissar
Speer	Albert Prof.	Reichsminister
Sporrenberg	Josef	SS-Gruppenführer
Streit	Bernhard	SS-Sturmbannführer
Todt	Fritz Dr .	Reichsminister
Tschammer und Osten	Hans von	SA-Obergruppenführer
Wächtler	Fritz	SS-Obergruppenführer u. Gauleiter

Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge with Oak Leaves. Type C.    

Institutedon 1935

Rarity – Possible Fake

Known Makers – BM 1/122

 

This badge is slightly larger than the Golden Hitler Youth Honour Badge being 32.5 mm by 19.5 mm and follows the same design save that the outer border has been enhanced by the addition of a row of oak leaves, four on each side of the diamond. The oak leaves run from the bottom of the diamond were they are joined by a tie and lay over each other meeting at the top of the diamond tip to tip. This boarder is 2 mm thick. The badge is constructed in two parts, the HJ Diamond and the diamond wreath that forms the base plate. The diamond sits into the recess of the wreath.  Too all intents and purposes the obverse design is the same as the type A badge

The reverse has a raised panel for the plate that secures the pin. The pin is a one-piece safety pine type attached to the reverse by a round plate. The maker's code number and the RZM logo are to be found in raised characters on the left and right sides of the raised panel.  In addition an issue number is stamped into the reverse. A badge illustrated in, 'For Führer and Fatherland, Political and Civil Awards of the Third Reich', by Ltc. (Retd) John R. Angolia, that has an issue number 366, tends to indicate that more awards were made than has been previously thought.  The possibility that this is a separate award cannot be ruled out and would give rise to the change in design encountered in the Type A and B badges. Dr Klietmann describes the badge in this form in his book Deutsche Auszeichungen, 2 Band. However this could be a fake, which is probably the most likely scenario. I have included it because it has been feature and there is no hard and fast answer to it. Numbers that have been encountered are 305, 352, 366.

Hitler Youth Shooting Badge.

May 8, 2012, 7:44 am

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Hitler Youth Shooting Badge.     

Instituted– 1936

Rarity – Scarce

Known Makers – M1/14, M1/63, M1/66, M1/77, M1/120

 This award consisted of a 21 mm round, semi convexed badge that had a small, raised edge line with three similar lines at 1 mm intervals.  The whole of the badge was then in filled with opaque black enamel.  On to the centre of the badge was superimposed crossed rifles, the tip of the butts and barrels just overlapping the edge of the badge.  These measure 22 mm and over them, at the centre, is superimposed a small Hitler Youth membership diamond that measures 13.5 mm by 9 mm.

The reverse has a safety pin attached by a round plate and superimposed is the RZM logo M1/ and the manufacturer's number.  Pre war issues are well made with good enamel work but wartime examples are often of a much lower standard of execution, with paint replacing the enamel and even plastic the metal. The reasons for this could be to do with War Time economies, but this is not confirmed.

Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach, to stimulate competitive shooting amongst members of the Hitler Youth, instituted the award in 1936. The competitor had be of the age of 16 years or older. The HJ used .22 calibre small-bore rifles. The target is a circle divided into 11 rings and a bull’s eye. Outer ring was worth 1 point. Bull’s eyewas worth 12 points. Distance for the HJ member was 50m. Target was changed after 5 shots.   The test was firing five shots from a prone position with rifle supported on a sandbag, five from the prone position with the rifle unsupported and five from a kneeling position with unsupported rifle.  Prone position with weapon supported the member must achieve 25 points with no single shot being worth less than 4 points unless the target is hit 5 times. Prone position weapon unsupported the member must achieve 20 points with no single shot being worth less than 3 unless target is hit 5 times. The results were recorded in a special shooting book.  Authorised recipients were permitted to wear the badge on the left breast pocket of their uniform.  It appears that there was some early confusion concerning the manner of wear, as some recipients wore the badge on the right breast pocket.  Accurate figures of numbers awarded are available up to the end of 1943 and the number recorded is 273545.  A Schiessbuch or Shooting Book was given to the competitor and this was used to record the qualifications of the HJ member. This was then used as proof of attainment and allowed the member to wear the badge.

Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Marksman.

Instituted– 1938

Rarity – Scarce

Known Makers – M1/14, M1/63, M1/66, M1/77, M1/120

 

 

This badge comprises the same design as that described in Hitler Youth Shooting Badge with the addition of a 2 mm ring of 25 oak leaves, which increases the overall size of the badge to 25 mm. In some cases the badge has the enamel subsisted for a matt paint finish. The reasons for this could be to do with War Time economies, but this is not confirmed.

Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach instituted the badge in 1938. Again the competitor had be of the age of 16 years or older.  The test was increased to ten shots as previously described with the addition of ten rapid fire from a standing position with an unsupported rifle. Prone position with weapon supported. Must achieve 35 points with no single shot being worth less than 6 points unless target is hit 5 times. Prone position weapon unsupported. Must achieve 30 points with no single shot being worth less than 5 unless target is hit 5 times.   Authorised recipients were permitted to wear the badge on the left breast pocket of their uniform.  Accurate figures of numbers awarded are available up to the end of 1943 and the number recorded is 31904. A Schiessbuch or Shooting Book was given to the competitor and this was used to record the qualifications of the HJ member. This was then used as proof of attainment and allowed the member to wear the badge.

Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Champion Shot.

Instituted– December 1941

Rarity – Rare

Known Makers - M1/14, M1/63, M1/66, M1/77, M1/120

This badge comprises the same design as that described in Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Marksman with the oak leaves being gilded. In some cases the badge has the enamel subsisted for a matt paint finish. The reasons for this could be to do with War Time economies, but this is not confirmed.

Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach instituted the badge in December 1941. Again the competitor had be of the age of 16 years or older.  The test were the same as previously described but the scores required in all of them had to be of a higher nature to gain the badge. Prone position with weapon supported the member must achieve 45 points with no single shot being worth less than 8 points unless target is hit 5 times.Prone position weapon unsupported the member must achieve 40 points with no single shot being worth less than 7 unless target is hit 5 times. Kneeling position the member must achieve 30 points with no single shot being worth less than 5 unless target is hit 5 times. Authorised recipients were permitted to wear the badge on the left breast pocket of their uniform.  Accurate figures of numbers awarded are available up to the end of 1943 and this only records 852 being rendered. A Schiessbuch or Shooting Book was given to the competitor and this was used to record the qualifications of the HJ member. This was then used as proof of attainment and allowed the member to wear the badge.

 Hitler Youth Member wearing the Shooting Badge. 

Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Book - cover.

Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Book - 1st page.

Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Book - 7th page.

League of German Girls Proficiency Clasp

June 1, 2012, 4:07 am

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League of German Girls Proficiency Clasp - Bronze and Silver Class.

Instituted– 28th April 1934

Rarity – Scarce

Known Makers – M1/15, M1/18

These awards comprise of an oblong clasp that measures 23.5 mm by 14.5 mm and is formed from a 1.5 mm outer metal line into which are set the Gothic capital letters, 'BdM'.  Behind the clasp, stretched over a metal former, is a piece of ribbon that has three equal stripes of brick red, white, brick red.  The length of the ribbon is 29 mm.

The reverse shows two 4.5 mm bands that hold the front clasp to the back plate and hold the ends of the ribbon.  On the plate can be found just the issue number for those badges produced before the introduction of the RZM office, the RZM logo M1/ and the manufacturer's number, or the grade A, B or C.  The overall colour of the clasp is either bronze or silver. 

Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach as a proficiency clasp introduced these badges on 28th April 1934 for members of the Bund Deutscher M„del, BDM, the League of German Girls.  This was founded in 1930 as the female counterpart of the Hitler Youth.  Service in the BDM after Hitler's accession to power in 1933 was obligatory for all girls between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one.

It was to be awarded to those who had successfully passed, during a twelve-month period, tests in;

a) First aid.

b) Nursing.

c) Home Craft.

d) Athletics

e) Political Ideology.

Each class was subdivided into three to recognise the degree of proficiency attained in the test.

Bronze Class - (A, B or C Grade)

Silver Class - (A, B or C Grade)

The Bronze and Silver Classes were based on the recipient's age.  The clasp was worn on the left breast of the BDM uniform.  An estimated 115000 awards in bronze were presented.  However, the figure for silver awards is unknown, but this could be less than 1000.

The girls are students at the BDM equivalent of the Reichsführerschule. The two girls in the foreground wear the BDM Proficiency badge on their left breast pocket.

 

The importance of the League of German Girls Proficiency Clasp, crowning the enterance gate to the Camp.

N.S.D.A.P.-N. Badge for Achievement in the D.J.N.

June 3, 2012, 9:35 am

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N.S.D.A.P.-N. Badge for Achievement in the D.J.N.

Black, Silver, Gold.

Known Makers - Always Unmarked

Rarity – Very Rare, Extremely Rare, Unique.

N.S.D.A.P.-N. had an active youth branch known as the Deutsche Jugendschaft Nordschlesweg, which was the counterpart of the Hitler Youth of Germany. The Deutsche Mädchenschaft Nordschleswig was the girl’s section and the equivalent to the BDM in the Reich. Like its German counter part it introduced a proficiency badge in bronze, silver and gold. This was called the “Fűr Leistunge in der D.J.N.

Denmark’s most southern province, Schleswig – Holstein, had been lost to Germany after the war of 1864, but following the First World War the League of Nations organised a plebiscite to determine whether its citizens wished to be German or Danes. The result was a compromise. North Schleswig voted three to one to become part of Denmark, while South Schleswig voted four to one to remain German. This meant that there was a small German minority in North Schleswig, or as the Danes term it South Jutland. With the rise of Hitler, the Volksdeutsche of North Schleswig embraced the Nazi faith eagerly, so eagerly in fact that by the mid – 1930’s there were no fewer than four rival Nazi parties in that region. Between 1933 and 1935 a bitter struggle was fought out as to which party had the best claim to the title. It was finally won by Jens Møller, a veterinary surgeon from Stenderup who, in August 1935, succeeded in drawing them together to form the N.S.D.A.P. –N. the National – Sozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter Partei – Nordschleswigs. The unity did not, however, last; a rival “Nazi Party”, the N.S.A.N. National – Sozialistische Arbeiterpartei Nordschleswigs under Jep Nissen, was set up and this split in the Volksdeutsche ranks continued until the time of the occupation.

The ban on political uniforms meant that the N.S.D.A.P. –N. had, until freed from this restriction by the defeat of Denmark, to camouflage its “storm troops” as sports.

, or social clubs. The equivalent of the SS or SA in Germany was the S.K. Schleswigische Kameradschaft, which had motorised, “cavalry” and motor – boat sub sections. This latter used to carry out combined naval exercises with units of the Marine SA from neighbouring German Flensburg. After the occupation the SK wore a uniform consisting of a white shirt, black breeches and jack boots, “Sam Browne” belt and cross strap and Nazi type brassard similar to that of the German SA except that it appears from photos officers had white or silver edges. A blue ski cap with a version of the Nazi eagle and swastika completed the summer uniform. In winter a black tunic with “SK” on the left lapel could be worn.

According to the official “Volksalendar” for 1943 the SK had a total of 1761 members. The N.S.D.A.P. – N. had a Women’s Section N.S.F.N.. 

N.S.D.A.P.-N. Badge for Achievement in the D.J.N, in wear.

Carpathian German Decoration

June 5, 2012, 8:17 am

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Carpathian German Decoration.

Known Makers - Unmarked

Rarity - Extremely Rare

This award takes the form of a silver swastika measuring 58 mm by 58 mm, with the widths of the arms being 10 mm.  The obverse is flat with the arms of the swastika having a 1 mm chamfered edge.  At the centre is superimposed an elongated, pointed shield, measuring 17 mm by 9 mm, with a fine, raised edge line.  On to the recessed central field, in raised stylised capital letters is, 'K d P'.  The field is lightly stippled with small round pellets.  The raised line and initials are in silver while the field is infilled with translucent red enamel, allowing the stippling to reflect the light.  Over the arms of the swastika is superimposed a half wreath of oak leaves with a single ribbon wrap at its base.  On either side are three individual oak leaves which reduce in size and overlap one another tip on stalk.  The wreath measures 35 mm across and has a width of 8 mm.

The reverse is flat with a horizontal hinge, needle pin of the shepherd's crook type and 'C' form hook that is soldered directly to the lower arm of the swastika.  There are two small flush rivets securing the wreath to the swastika.

The Volksgruppenführer, Franz Krmasin, of the German racial group, instituted the decoration for distinguished service.  The pro Nazi Volksdeutsche of Slovakia had, before the disintegration of Czechoslovakia, belonged to the Kappatendeutsche Partei or K.d.P., the Carpathian German Party, which was the Slovak branch of Heinlein's S.d.P. but on 9 October 1938 the K.d.P. became the Deutsche Partei or DP.  The Volksdeutsche of Slovakia were disappointed that Hitler had not annexed Slovakia and declared it to be a German province.  Despite this disappointment the DP consciously and with the unconcealed aid of various agencies within Germany, set about replicating the NSDAP in its organisation and aims. 

The precise criteria for the award are unknown but considering its designation for distinguished service, it is possible that it was for the setting up of the party along the lines outlined.

The badge was worn on the left breast pocket.  The design of the presentation case is unknown.

Carpathian German Decoration Fakes.

 This fake is a very poor attempt. However there only a small number that have been attempted.

Achievement Badge for the Security Troops

June 5, 2012, 10:09 am

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Achievement Badge for the Security Troops – Bronze, Silver and Gold Class.

Known Makers– Unmarked, HB in an oblong with angled ends.

Rarity - Extremely Rare, Extremely Rare, Extremely Rare.

Achievement Badge for the Security Troops – Gold Class.

Achievement Badge for the Security Troops – Gold Class - Reverse.

 

Achievement Badge for the Security Troops – Silver Class.

Achievement Badge for the Security Troops – Silver Class - Reverse.

This award was produced in three classes, Bronze, Silver and Gold and all take the same design comprising of an open winged eagle clutching a swastika in its talons.  The eagle is superimposed over crossed swords whose hilts are just visible beneath the line of the lower edge of the eagle's wing, while the tips just protrude above the upper edge of the wing.  Superimposed on to the eagle's chest is a square shield that is quartered and comprises of the arms of the Protectorate, being a fork tailed lion in two diagonal quarters for Bohemia and an open winged eagle for Moravia in the two opposite diagonal quarters.  The eagle is flanked on either side by linden leaves formed in three rows, three leaves in the first row reducing to a single leaf at the outer edge.  The joints of the leaves are embellished with linden blossom in the form of four pellets.  The badge measure 66 mm long and is 38 mm from the bottom of the hilts of the swords to the top of the eagle's head.

The reverse is flat with a horizontal hinge, pin and 'C' form hook attachment.  From behind the eagle's head is soldered a further 'S' shaped hook for attachment to a loop on the uniform.

Bronze and silver examples of the badge have been encountered without this 'S' shaped hook and with the maker's logo positioned at the centre of the badge.

This gives rise to the possibility that the Gold form as described could have been the special presentation form as in the case of the German Army Close combat clasp in Gold.

With the assimilation of Bohemia and Moravia into the greater Reich, the remnants of the CzechoslovakianRepublic became the notionally independent State of Slovakia.  The former Czech army was disbanded with the result that President Hácha petitioned Nazi Germany in October 1939 for permission to raise an armed force to assist the gendarmerie in the maintenance of security and internal order.  The Germans readily acquiesced to this petition with the proviso that the new Regierungstruppe must not exceed 8000 personnel.  In reality it never exceeded 7000, with almost all those volunteering being former officers or NCOs of the Czech army with additional support of some 350 uniformed civilian administrators.  Of this force, 280 were officers and this officer corps comprised some 40 generals and a further 15 civilian administrators who held a rank equivalent of army general.  The Regierungstruppe had three impressively styled inspectorates, namely Prague, Bruno and Hradec Krolové which comprised of four battalions each sub divided into four companies, stationed at each inspectorate.  It was only in the latter stages of the war that they saw anything approaching active service, when in May 1944 eleven of the twelve battalions were deployed in northern Italy, leaving the first battalion for guard duty in Prague.  The unreliability of the army was illuminated by large scale desertions and in the autumn of 1944, the force was returned to the Protectorate.  Few of the members wished to continue their service as by now, their four year engagement contracts had lapsed and before the end of the year, the formation had disintegrated. 

The German military commander in Bohemia and Moravia instituted, possibly in July 1944, this special honour badge to reward repeated acts of assistance to the German forces.  Due to the possible date of institution it is most probable that, as this was the only decoration which could be awarded to the Regierungstruppe who were supposedly only used in the passive role of building defensive installations in partisan infested Italy, this award was rendered for anti-partisan activities and therefore gives rise to its extreme rarity.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas

June 5, 2012, 12:36 pm

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Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - 1st Class, 2nd Class, 3rd Class.

Known Makers - Unmarked

Rarity - Extreemly Rare, Very Rare, Very Rare.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - Third class.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - Third class - reverse.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - Third class - Minature.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - Third class - Minature - reverse.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - First class Miniature.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - First class Miniature- reverce.

The shield is awarded in three classes and produced in two sizes.  These correspond to the German Golden Party Badge and are similarly, in the case of the larger one, to be worn on the military or party uniform.  This measures 25 mm by 22 mm, while the smaller badge was to be worn on the civilian dress and measures 17 mm by 15 mm.  The three classes of the shield all take the same design employed in the lowest class and comprise of a pointed shield which has a top with sloping shoulders.  The outer border of the shield has chamfered edges and the body is also curved vertically.  The badges are produced from silver with their obverse being highly polished.  This has an eagle surrounded by tongues of flame routed into its surface.  The eagle is infilled with black enamel while the tongues of flame are finished in red.  These are polished flush to the body of the shield.  This eagle flambé of St. Wenceslas is one of the most ancient heraldic devices in Europe and first appeared on the Seal of Bohemia in 1192 AD, with the first coloured version appearing in 1312 AD.

The First and Second Classes have the addition of a laurel wreath running up the sides of the shield.  This comprises of a small tie at the point and six bunches of three leaves on either side.  In the Second Class these are silver, while in the First Class they are gilded. 

The sizes of the large and small badges are increased to 27 mm by 22 mm in the large badge and 18 mm by 15 mm in the small.  The reverses of the large badges have a plain matt silver finish.  There is a round hinge through which is placed a small wire pivot to attach a needle pin and a broad 'C' form hook that is soldered directly to the reverse.  Stamped into the bottom of the shield is a five digit number in a horizontal line.  The reverses of the small badges are again matt silver, with a needle pin that is soldered into a recess and is somewhat reminiscent of an extruded paperclip, similar to that encountered to the Oak Leaves attaching them to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross.  In this case, one arm is cut short and the other is left longer, forming the pin.  On the left-hand side is found a five digit number but stamped in larger numerals in this case.  These numerals run vertically.  The numbers so far encountered, on both sizes, are; 00521, 00636, 00884, 01308, 01677, 01821 and 01853.    Whether or not this is the issue number of the badge or a party number is unclear but I assume that they relate to the actual issue number of the badge.

To reward the citizens of the Protectorate who rendered loyal service to the German authorities, Karl-Hermann Frank instituted this badge on 6 June 1943 to commemorate the first anniversary of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich.  Duke Wenceslas of Bohemia lived from 908-929 AD and concluded a treaty of friendship with the Saxon King 'Henry the Fowler', placing Bohemia under German protection.  He was therefore seen as the symbol of the alliance between Bohemia and Germany.  Henry I was one of Himmler's idols and was to reach the heights of eminence by becoming the Holy Roman Emperor.  While, on the other hand, Wenceslas was to pay the ultimate price for his collaboration by being murdered by his own brother.

The first awards of the shield were made by Karl-Hermann Frank on 18 June 1944. 

The Criteria for the award is unknown.

The box that held the large badge is unknown, while that employed for the small one consists of an oblong hard case that has a hinge formed from the paper covering.  This covering has a small squared design embossed all over the box.  This covering is a bright brick-red and the embossed lines are gold leaf.  The inner lid lining is a separate red cotton plate stuck to the underside of the lid and the lower pad has a similar cotton covering with a large central slit to accommodate the pin.

Honour Shield of Duke Wenceslas - Third class - Minature - Case.

Karl Hermann Frank awards the first "Shield of Honour of the Protectorate" on 18th June 1944.

The investiture of the award.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLIy...zZbWg&index=23

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Military Sports Badge of the Romanian Volksdeutsche Community. Michaelis Gustaf Group.

June 14, 2012, 12:45 pm

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Military Sports Badge of the Romanian Volksdeutsche Community.

Institutedon

Rarity – Very Rare.

Known Makers –STZ.

The badge comprised of a wreath of overlapping single oakleaves through which passes a broad bladed double edged sword, the tip of which and the handle rise above and below in equal proportion, while the quillons form part of the wreath. Inside the wreath is a slightly raise band onto which in raised in rustic letters is the motto “Vorleben – Vorkämpfen” which roughly translates to “Set an example in life and in battle”. At the center is a mobile swastika of the Sun Cross form.

The reverse is slightly dishes with the imprint of the mobile swastika. In raised letters is L3 and below STZ. Beneath is stamped the issue number. The badge is produced in bronze metal. Up to 1943 a total of 1593 awards of this badge had been made. The badge was given with an award book. This had the photo of the recipient, together with a franking of the badge.

 

Fritz Fabritius was the Volksgruppenführer, but it seemed his Berlin Masters did not hold him as a sufficiently dedicated Nazi, for he was replaced by Andreas Schmit in 1940. Schmit enjoyed the not inconsiderable advantage of being the son in law of the head of the SS Main Office for Germans Abroad, SS-Brigadeführer Gottlob Berger. On 20^th September 1940 the Volksgruppe was granted by the Romanian government the status of a semi independent community within the national state. The party was now redesignated the NSDAP der Deutschen Volksgruppe in Rumänien. The NSDAP of Romania was a carbon copy of the NSDAP of the Reich with only slight changes of name for its sub – formations.

According to the Jahrbuch of the German Volksgruppe in Romania, published in 1943, the Einsatz Staffel and Deutsche Mannsschaft, which were the Romanian German equivalents of the Allgemeine SS and SA, had between them a membership of 31000. They were the active Para-military units of the Party. However all males up to the age of 60 were expected to belong to the home – based Heimat Dienst, if they were not already enrolled in either the E.S. or D.M. In 1943, this static “Home Guard” had strength of 36640 members. Both the E.S. and the D.M. had their own leadership school. E.S. officers were trained at the Heinrich 1 Führerschule, while D.M. leaders went to the Horst Wessel Leaders’ School. Instruction at both was based on the tests leading to an award of the Wehrsportabzeichen or Leistungsabzeichen as it was sometime referred to in German documents. Any German could enter the tests required for an award irrespective of whether or not he was a member of the E.S. or the D.M.

Many joined the Waffen SS, EITHER VOLANTRILY OR UNDER DUERESS.

Volunter with his Girlfriend in traditional Dress.

 

Fire Brigade Decoration

June 27, 2012, 1:05 pm

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Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class.   

Institutedon. 22 December 1936

Rarity – Very Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked

This decoration comprises of a convexed cross that measures 58.5 mm across and the widths of the arms are 7 mm.  Round the arms of the cross is a 1 mm raised edge line and on to the field produced is the outline of a flame effect.  This is produced by a series of 0.5 mm raised lines.  On each arm is an identical pattern of tongues of flame that lick upwards to the ends of the arms of the cross.  The outer edge of the flames is joined to the flames of the next arm of the cross, forming a continuous line.  The flames are infilled with red opaque enamel that is flush with the top of the lines and the rest of the field of the arms of the cross is infilled to the raised edge line and the continuous outer line of the flames with white opaque enamel.  On to the top of the red enamel, at the centre of the cross, is positioned a button that measures 16.5 mm.  This has a raised edge line and a similar one inset by 1 mm.  The resultant tramline is infilled with black opaque enamel.  On to the central field is positioned a swastika with raised outer edge line with the tips of the arms of the swastika just touching the inside of the inner line of the tramline.  The field of the arms of the swastika are infilled level to the top of the edge line with black opaque enamel and similarly infilled with white opaque enamel is the remaining field. 

Between the arms of the cross is a circle, slightly recessed below the outer edge line, which measures 5 mm and has the inscription, in raised capital letters, 'FüR VERDIENSTE IM FEUERLÖSCHWESEN', which translates to, For Merit in the Fire Brigade Organisation.  The circle has a diameter that measures 44 mm.  The overall colour of the metal parts of the cross is silver with the background to the letters being matt patinated and the surfaces of the letters bright polished silver.  The silver of the arms of the cross is lighter and matt. 

The reverse of the cross is plain, with a light matted silver appearance.  The hinge is made from a piece of metal that has been bent in the middle to hold the pin's cross member.  The hinge has a semi-rounded top and bottom.  The pin has a broad centre that is sometimes referred to as 'bellied', with a rounded end.  The hook has a 'C' form shape and is soldered on to the bottom of the lower arm.  The cross was designed by Herbert Knötel of Berlin.  The badge was worn on the lower left breast of the uniform. 

The cross was introduced on 22 December 1936 by the Minister of the Interior and was to reward those who had performed acts of exceptional meritorious service and included acts of bravery at fires.  A First Class award was automatically bestowed upon a fireman who lost his life in the line of duty. 

There was a more subtle reason for the instigation of the national level award to fire personnel, as this replaced the state awards and brought these important arms of the government under Nazi control.  Recommendation for award of the First Class cross came from the Reichsführer-SS Himmler in his capacity as Chief of the German Police which controlled the fire departments and were approved by the Minister of the Interior.  Hitler retained the right to sign the award document of this class personally.  The cross was accompanied by a citation that is unknown.  However it is believed to be similar to the Second Class document described.  The cross was presented in a hard case with an exterior of black pebbled simulated leather, and does not bear any lid designation.  However, round the top of the lid is a straight, tooled line.  The upper interior of the lid is lined with padded white satin and the lower portion is black velvet with a recess to accommodate the cross.

Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class  FAKE.  

Fire Brigade Decoration - Second Class.  

Institutedon. 22 December 1936

Rarity – Scares.

Known Makers –

Fire Cross 2nd Class - with ball ring suspender.

Fire Cross 2nd Class - reverse with wire ring suspender.

This decoration is the same as that described in Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class, except that this cross is smaller and not vaulted.  The arms of the cross measure 43 mm across and are 12 mm wide.  The button in this case, measure 12 mm.  The circle measures 3 mm wide and has a diameter of 32 mm.  The thickness across the arms of the cross is 2 mm and across the centre, 3.5 mm due to the applied button.  The overall colour of the metal parts are silver with the background to the letters being matt patinated and the surfaces of the letters, bright polished silver.  The silver of the arms of the cross are lighter and matt.

The reverse of the cross is plain, with a light matted silver appearance.  From the upper arm is positioned a ball or barrel ribbon ring suspension loop through which passes the ribbon ring.  The cross was designed by Herbert Knötel of Berlin.  It was worn on the medal ribbon bar.  The ribbon comprises of a 30 mm band with 2 mm purple red edge stripe, 7 mm orange-red stripe and a central 12 mm white stripe. 

The cross was introduced on 22 December 1936 by the Minister of the Interior and was to reward those members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade who had completed 25 years faithful service in the Fire Service with the time being calculated as at 1 May 1936.  This cross was to replace all the various Fire Brigade crosses awarded by states or local authorities.  Recommendation for award of this cross came from the Reichsführer-SS Himmler in his capacity as Chief of the German Police, which controlled the fire departments and was approved by the Ministry of the Interior. 

The cross was accompanied by an elaborate citation, the border of which is constructed of interlocking swastikas with the corners having a square with two intertwined swastikas.  At the top, beneath the border, is an elaborate open winged eagle, clutching an oak leaf wreath which has a swastika within it.  Underneath this in hand script is the recipient's rank, beneath this is an elongated box with swastikas at each corner that are formed with double lines to each arm, the inner tip is elongated to the outer tip of the other corner, with the design repeated for all sides.  The name of the recipient is hand written in the box.

'WIRD IM NAMEN DES, REICHSMINISTERS DES INNERN, DAS, REICHSFEUERWEHR=, EHRENZEICHEN, 2.KLASSE VERLEIHEN., BERLIN, DEN,' the date of award, '1937', beneath a facsimile of Himmler's signature, 'H. HIMMLER. REICHSFÜHRER SS UND CHEF DER DEUTSCHEN POLIZEI, IM REICHSMINISTERIUM DES INNERN'.

The presentation case for the Fire Brigade Decoration is a hinged hard case with a press-stud catch.  The exterior is of pebbled black simulated leather and bears no lid designation. It measures 72 mm by 60mm and 20 mm deep.  It has, however, an indented straight tooled line that runs round it.  The upper interior is white satin, void of any designation and the lower portion is black velvet recessed to accommodate the cross.

The citation has an original H Himmler signature



Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class – Small version.   

Institutedon.30 January 1938

Rarity – Extremely Rare.

Known Makers – Unmarked

This decoration is the same as that described in The Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class that was introduced on 22 December 1936 by the Minister of the Interior except that it measures 43 mm across and has the same measurements as described in Fire Brigade Decoration - Second Class. The decoration is slightly vaulted and on the reverse is a hinge that runs across the top arm from side to side.  The pin is a broad blade type with a slight belly, which then tapers to the tip.  The catch is a 'C' form soldered to the bottom of the lower arm.

The reason for this design is a little unclear and could be a smaller version of the original First Class award, as the original foundation decree for the introduction of the award does not state what size the First Class Cross should be.  However, it is more likely to be the original First Class design and possibly this was a transitional piece in brief use prior to the introduction of the First Class Cross in Gold, that was suspended from a ribbon.

The citation and awarding criteria have been omitted and should be seen in the light of those already described. 

 

Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class in Gold

Institutedon. 30 January 1938

Rarity – Very Rare.

Known Makers –

Fire Cross 1st Class - second type with ball ring suspender.

Fire Cross 1st Class - second type with wire ring suspender.

                   

Fire Cross 1st Class - second type - reverse with ball ring suspender.

                               

          

 Fire Cross 1st Class - second type minature.

This decoration is the same as that described in Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class, except that this cross is smaller and not vaulted.  The arms of the cross measure 43 mm across and 12 mm wide.  The button, in this case, measures 12 mm, the circle is 3 mm wide and has a diameter of 32 mm.  The thickness across the arms of the cross is 2 mm and across the centre 3.5 mm due to the applied button.  The overall colour of the metal parts of the cross are gold, with the background to the letters being matt patinated and the surface of the letters bright, polished gold.

The reverse of the cross is plain with a light matted gold appearance. From the upper arm is positioned a ball or barrel ribbon ring suspension loop, through which passes the ribbon ring.  The cross was designed by Herbert Knötel of Berlin and was worn on the medal ribbon bar.  Only one grade of the decoration could be worn at any one time.

The ribbon comprises of a 30 mm band with 2 mm purple-red edge stripes, 7 mm orange-red stripe and central 12 mm white stripe.

The new cross was in a series of long service awards that was instituted on 30 January 1938 by order of the Führer.  It also served to change the Fire Brigade Decoration and the scope of the award to a truly national one.  The pin back version was eliminated.  The cross was to reward those members of regular or part-time fire brigades who had performed acts of exceptional meritorious service and included acts of bravery at fires.  A First Class award was automatically bestowed upon a fireman who lost his life in the line of duty.  It could also be conferred upon private individuals who had rendered conspicuous service to fire brigade organisations, however after the outbreak of the war, non Germans in the service of the fire department were also qualified for the award on the same terms as Germans.  Recommendation for the award came from the Reichsführer-SS Himmler in his capacity as Chief of the German Police, which controlled the fire departments and were approved by the Minister of the Interior.  Bravery at fires caused by air raids could be rewarded either with the War Merit Cross, or The Fire Brigade Decoration.  It is of interest to include a German news item of September 1944 which stated, '147 awards of the First Class Fire Brigade Decoration and many thousands of the Second Class had been made up to that date for bravery caused by terror bombing'.  This goes to illustrate the relative rarity of the First Class in respect to the Second Class. 

The cross was accompanied by a citation in Gothic script that read, 'IM NAMEN, DES, DEUTSCHEN VOLKS, VERLEIHE ICH,' followed by the details of the recipient, 'IN ANERKENNUNG SEINER VERDIENSTE, UM DAS DEUTSCHE FEUERLÖSCHWESEN, DAS, FEUERWEHR = EHRENZEICHEN, ERSTE STUFE., BERLIN DEN' the date of the award, 'DER FÜHRER UND REICHSKANZLER,' with a facsimile of Hitler's signature beneath and the large embossed state seal in the lower left-hand corner. 

The cross was contained in a presentation box that is hinged with a press-stud catch.  The exterior is of pebbled black simulated leather and bears no lid designation.  It has an indented straight tooled line that runs round it, this is filled with gold leave. It measures 110 mm by 66 mm and 22 mm deep.  The upper interior is white satin void of any designation and the lower portion is black velvet recessed to accommodate the cross.

 

Fire Brigade Decoration - Second Class.   

Institutedon. 30 January 1938

Rarity – Scarce.

Known Makers –

This decoration is the same as that described in Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class, except that this cross is smaller and not vaulted.  The arms of the cross measure 43 mm across and are 12 mm wide.  The button in this case, measure 12 mm.  The circle measures 3 mm wide and has a diameter of 32 mm.  The thickness across the arms of the cross is 2 mm and across the centre, 3.5 mm due to the applied button.  The overall colour of the metal parts are silver with the background to the letters being matt patinated and the surfaces of the letters, bright polished silver.  The silver of the arms of the cross are lighter and matt.

The reverse of the cross is plain, with a light matted silver appearance.  From the upper arm is positioned a ball or barrel ribbon ring suspension loop through which passes the ribbon ring.  The cross was designed by Herbert Knötel of Berlin.  It was worn on the medal ribbon bar.  The ribbon comprises of a 30 mm band with 2 mm purple red edge stripe, 7 mm orange-red stripe and a central 12 mm white stripe. 

This cross was to replace all the various Fire Brigade crosses awarded by states or local authorities. The cross was to reward those members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade who had completed 25 years faithful service in the Fire Service with the time being calculated as at 1 May 1936, with the added clause that it could be conferred on non Germans in the service of the fire department, on the same terms as the Germans after the outbreak of war.  Recommendation for award of this cross came from the Reichsführer-SS Himmler in his capacity as Chief of the German Police, which controlled the fire departments and was approved by the Ministry of the Interior. 

The cross was accompanied by a citation that was printed in Gothic script and read,

 'DER FÜHRER UND REICHSKANZLER HAT MIT ERLASZ VOM HEUTIGEN TAGE' followed by the recipients details, 'ALS ANERKENNUNG, FÜR 25 JÄHRIGE TREUE DIENSTE IN DER FEUERWEHR, DAS, FEUERWEHR = EHRENZEICHEN, ZWEITE STUFE, VERLIEHEN., BERLIN DEN' the date of award, 'DER STAATSMINISTER, UND CHEF DER PRÄSIDIALKANZLEI, DES FÜHRERS UND REICHSKANZLERS'.

 

The cross was contained in a presentation box that is hinged with a press-stud catch.  The exterior is of pebbled black simulated leather and bears no lid designation. It measures 72 mm by 60mm and 20 mm deep. It has an indented straight tooled line that runs round it.  The upper interior is white satin void of any designation and the lower portion is black velvet recessed to accommodate the cross.

Fire Brigade Decoration - Second Class - With 40 Year Oak Leaf Cluster.         

Institutedon.12 August 1944

Rarity – Extreemly Rare

Known Makers –

This award comprised of an oak leaf spray which was added to the ribbon of the 25 Year Cross.  The spray measures 34 mm across the tips and 17 mm high.  The base has a ribbon that curls from a knot at the centre downwards.  From the knot, in a 'V' form are two oak leaves.  From each side is a larger leaf that overlaps two smaller ones.  The area between the ribbons and the leaves is usually solid, however this, in some cases, can be found voided.  This latter version is not as desirable as the former.  The emblem is attached to the ribbon by two flat pins that are put through the ribbon.  The reverse of the emblem is plain and flat.  The overall colour of the emblem is of matt gold.  Above the emblem the Arabic number '40' was positioned.  This comprised of two individual pressed figures that measure 23 mm high in the case of the '4' and 22 mm in the case of the '0'.  The edges were gently sloped upwards and produced a fine edge line.  The resultant field was crossed horizontally by small rounded lines.  The two numerals were gilded.

This grade was introduced by decree of Hitler on 12 August 1944.  Other awards introduced at the same time were, the Police Long Service 25 Year Service Cross with 40 Years Cluster, and Faithful Service Decoration for 40 Years Service with 50 Years Oak Leaf Cluster,

It was to recognise 40 years of loyal service in the fire brigade however, although the device exists there is serious question as to whether or not it was awarded, therefore the existence of the citation and presentation or protective case is also in question.

Hanover Fire Brigade Medal of Merit

July 11, 2012, 3:01 am

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Hanover Fire Brigade Medal of Merit   

Institutedon.26 April 1934

Rarity – Rare.

Known Makers – Lehmann and Wunnenberg

The Medal of Merit of the Fire Brigade for the Province of Hanover is 28 mm in diameter with a raised edge line.  At the base of the medal is a pair of crossed oak leaves that serve to start and stop the inscription that runs round the edge of the medal and is inset by 1 mm.  The inscription is produced in raised rustic capitals and reads, FÜR VERDIENSTE UM DAS FEUERLÖSWESEN, which translates to, For Merit in the Fire Brigade.  On to the flat central field of the medal is superimposed a fireman's helmet which is similar in style to that of the standard German M35 steel helmet, with the addition of a metal crest and rubber neck shield.  The chinstrap showing the buckle hangs vertically.  The helmet has two rivets to hold the inner liner, and midway between them is a 3 mm by 2 mm decal with raised edge line that has a small inner circle surrounding a mobile swastika.  The reverse has a similar raised edge line with an inscription in raised capital letters, which is punctuated at the base by a small five pointed star.  The inscription reads, FEUERWEHR - VERBAND FÜR DIE PROVINZ HANNOVER.GERG.26.7.1868, which translates to, Fire Brigade Association for the Province of Hanover Founded 26.7.1868.  On to the flat central field is superimposed the well known prancing white horse of Hanover.  At the top of the medal is positioned a round eyelet, through which runs the ribbon ring.  The medal is produced in zinc, has a silver wash and is 3.5 mm thick.  This, with age, can turn the medal an unattractive matt black.  The ribbon is 20 mm wide and made up of yellow and white stripes in equal proportion, yellow being on the left.  The ribbon is shaped in a V over a metal plate that measures 36 mm at its broadest part.  The reverse of the plate has a pin for attachment to the uniform and a piece of copper wire that runs from the bottom of the V upwards until it passes under the suspension pin.  The medal ribbon ring is put over the pin to allow for its suspension.  This construction also enables the medal to be removed to allow for the ribbon to be worn alone.  The medal was manufactured by the firm of Lehmann and Wunnenberg of Hanover.

The medal was introduced on 26 April 1934 to reward the members of the fire brigade for meritorious service in the organisation.  It was also awarded for 25 years continuous service.  The award was discontinued on 22 December 1936 with the introduction of the Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class, and Fire Brigade Decoration - Second Class,  which replaced the medal.

The medal was accompanied by an elaborate citation that had a border comprising of dots in fours in a tramline, with a row of pellets on the inner one.  At the head of the citation was a torch in black with red tongues of flame and, on either side in Gothic letters, BESITZ - ZEUGNIS.  Beneath this in smaller, similar letters, was the recipient's name and his town followed by, in four lines, IST FÜR TREUE 25 JÄHRIGE FEUERWEHR - DIENSTZEIT, DAS VOM FEUERWEHRVERBAND DER, PROVINZ HANNOVER GESTIFTETE.  Beneath this is a facsimile of the medal without the ribbon or ring, in silver with, on either side, in red outlined in black, EHREN ZEICHEN.  Beneath this in corresponding letters in two lines, FšR VERDIENSTE UM DAS FEUERLÖSCHWESEN, VERLIEHEN WORDEN.  Beneath this, in two lines, is the city of award and the date with, FEUERWEHRVERBAND DER PROVINZ HANNOVER and the signature and title,

Provinzial – Feuerwehrführer.  The overall colour of the citation is off-yellow.  The medal presentation box is unknown.

Prussian Fire Brigade Decoration

July 15, 2012, 4:35 am

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Prussian Fire Brigade Decoration      

Institutedon.21 December 1933

Rarity – Rare.

Known Makers – PREUSS.STAATSMÜNZE

 

This award consists of an oval medal which has a raised edge line with, inset by 4 mm, a further similar one producing a tramline effect.  On to the flat field produced is positioned the inscription which is started and stopped by a single stylised swastika that is placed at 6 o'clock.  The inscription, running clockwise in rustic capitals is, FÜR VERDIENSTE UM DAS FEUERLÖSCHWESEN, which translates to, For Service in the Fire Brigade.  The central field is broken just below the centre by a ground line, twice as thick as the tramlines.  On to the ground line is positioned the torso of an old fashioned fireman.  On his head he wears a fire helmet with neck cloth and is clad in a jerkin with a waist belt.  On to his chest is placed the eagle of Prussia.  To his lips is held a fire horn, while is right hand is employed in holding a fire hose that folds behind his body, to re-emerge in a curl.  In the field beneath the ground line, positioned on to another finer ground line, is placed a high roofed house.  This has six windows on the long side arranged in two rows, while the gable has a door at ground floor level and flanked at second by two windows, with a smaller one positioned at the apex of the roof.  The tiles are represented by lines.  From the right-hand side of the roof darts two tongues of flames while, from the other, billows three columns of smoke.  On the inner tramline, just above the swastika, is a stylised capital R.  The badge measures 42 mm high and 29 mm wide and was struck in silver which has a smoked effect and is artificially patinated.

The reverse is slightly convexed and smooth, with a needle pin similar to that employed to hold the ribbons on to a uniform.  On the edge of the medal, slightly inset on either side is, in raised capital letters, the maker's name, PREUSS.STAATSMÜNZE, on the viewer's left and the silver content, SILBER 900 FEIN, on the right.

The medal was instituted on 21 December 1933 by the Prussian Minister of the Interior who awarded it on the recommendation of the Prussian Chief of Police.  It was awarded for;

a) Any special act of bravery or merit.

b) 25 years continuous service in the fire brigade.

The award was discontinued on 22 December 1936 with the introduction of the Fire Brigade Decoration - First Class, and the Fire Brigade Decoration - Second Class, medal.

The presentation case is a two-piece hinged, rigid box with simulated black leather covering.  The interior of the upper portion is padded white satin, while the base is covered by light blue velvet.  Round the edge of the base and the lid is a ring of silver pellets and the two halves are fastened by a push button stud.  It was accompanied by a citation, the design of which is unknown.

Golden Leaders Sports Badge

August 29, 2012, 4:09 am

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Golden Leaders Sports Badge.

Instituted  - 15th May 1938

Rarity – Scarce.

Known Makers– M1/101.

Golden Leaders Sports Badge.

Golden Leaders Sports Badge - reverse.

The badge consists of a circle that measures 40 mm and has a wreath of laurel leaves that goes round the outer edge.  It has nine bunches of three leaves on either side which measure 3 mm across.  Inside these is a raised 1 mm line.  The central field is in filled dark blue opaque enamel and over this is superimposed the Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge.  The badge is produced in tomback that is gilded.

The reverse is semi dished with a hinge and 'C' type hook, with a tapering flat pin.  Raised on to the back plate is found the RZM logo and the manufacturer's mark. There is only one known maker M1/101 Gustav Brehmer. Three types of clasp can be encountered, that which has the issue number of the badge impressed or a large impressed capital 'A' or 'B'.

On 18th January 1937 Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach, decreed that all HJ and DJ leaders from the rank of Fähnleinführer and higher to Gefolgschaftsführer and higher, including those on the RJF staff, Gebiet staff, Bann staff and Jungbann staff, would be required to pass a ten part test to be known as the leaders test exercises.

Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach, to be awarded annually to the high scorers in the leaders test exercises, instituted this award on 15th May 1938.  There was no limitation placed upon the number of recipients provided that they met the necessary qualifications.

In order to qualify, the Competitor must have received the Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge Silver Class. Since there could be some discrepancy in the ages of the contestants, two different levels of achievement were permitted; those who achieved a minimum points score of 7500 points, in the case of contestants in the age group 18 to 32 years old or 6500 in the case of those aged 33 and over in the 'Führer-Zehnkampf' or Leaders' decathlon. The competition was the same as in the first part of the HJ Leistungsabzeichen test, athletics, marching and small calibre rifle shooting but requiring a much higher standard and was held over the course of two days and was divided into two age-groups

A Grade: 18-32 years, requiring 7500 points to qualify.

B Grade: 33 years and older, requiring 6500 points to qualify.

They would be required to pass a decathlon test consisting of:

a)      100 meter sprint

b)      1,000-meter swim.

c)      High jump.

d)      Long jump.

e)      Throwing club accuracy test.

f)        Putting the weight.

g)      300-meter swim; breaststroke.

h)      Marksman qualification, both supported and unsupported.

i)        Cross-country navigation test together with road march in full pack.

The badge was awarded for a period of five years and to continue wearing the badge after this point the leader had to achieve the required points total twice more before the 5 years were up. This never actually happened because it was decided to suspend re-qualification in 1943 until after the war. If a leader had failed to achieve re-qualification the badge would have to be forfeited. A further part of the qualification criteria stated that any leader older than 35 who was able to satisfy the requirements of A Grade would never again be required to requalify for the badge.

The first awards were presented at the 1938 Nürnberg Party Rally. The numbers of badges awarded varies depending on the source but it's likely to be somewhere between 11000 and 15000 that would have been won by 1943 when the award was suspended. Early regulations were unclear as to how the badge was to be worn, with the result that most were worn on the right breast pocket.  Regulations in 1942 specified that the badge was to be worn on the left breast pocket of the uniform.  A miniature could be worn on the left lapel of civilian clothes and it is said that a cloth version of the badge exists for the sports kit.  However, this is unconfirmed. It was awarded with a citation in printed text with a drawing of the badge at the centre. The recipient’s details, the year when it had been awarded, the badge number and when it expired were hand written. It was signed by the Reichsjugendführer. The case is burgundy coloured cardboard with burgundy velvet base and white satin lid interior. There is no lid designation.

Golden Leaders Sports Badge in wear.

Golden Leaders Sports Badge - Fakes.