BACKGROUND: The Leistungsabzeichen der HJ, (Proficiency Badge of the HJ), was instituted as the first Hitler Youth award by Reichsjugendführer Baldur von Schirach on May 1ST 1934 as an incentive for HJ members to increase their proficiency in military oriented athletics, academics, field exercises, and shooting. The badge was established in three grades of Silver, Bronze and Iron, with the age of the recipient being the determining factor of which grade the individual was eligible for. Seventeen year old’s were eligible for the Silver badge, sixteen year old’s for the Bronze badge and fifteen year old’s for the Iron badge. Each HJ member was issued a Leistungsbuch, (Qualification book), to record their achievements and verify their right to wear the badge when awarded. Originally the badges were worn on the left breast pocket of the HJ service uniform but later regulations altered wear to the right breast pocket. When awarded, the recipient had the option if purchasing a miniature version of the badge for wear on the left lapel of civilian clothing. The miniature version of the badge was identical in design to the full size badge but was only about one third of the size. Of Note: A full sized cloth version of the award was utilized on the HJ sport shirt. This example is the miniature silver version for 17 year old’s for wear on civilian clothing.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The silver washed, die stamped alloy, miniature badge is in the form of a vertical, Tyr-rune (upward pointing arrow), with a superimposed, cut-out, circular centerpiece with embossed runic style script, "Leistungen in der HJ", (Proficiency in the HJ), encompassing an embossed, canted swastika. The background field of the circular centerpiece is slightly textured and the recessed areas between the arms of the swastika have a ribbed background field. The solid reverse is well marked with the embossed RZM logo with dual circular borders and embossed manufacturers code, "M1/101" indicating manufacture by Gustav Brehmer, Markneukirchen. The reverse also has a soldered, vertical pin back device intact.