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

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Slightly convex, stamped aluminum, one-piece construction Hitler Youth buckle. It features, against its plain, obverse field, an embossed HJ eagle and diamond with swastika against a slightly domed, pebbled center, encompassed by a dual rope-like border within which, against a ribbed background, is the embossed Gothic script, "Blut und Ehre" (Blood and Honor). To the reverse is embossed an RZM, "Reichszeugmeisterei" (National-material-control-office), logo and "M4/39," for F.W. Assmann & Söhne of Lüdensheid. What appears to be the original owner’s initials are also scratched to the reverse. The crimped buckle catch, prong bar and dual prongs are all intact. Scarce version.