BACKGROUND: The origins of the Hitler Jugend, (Hitler Youth), may be traced back to March 1922 with the formation of the Jugendbund der NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (Youth League of the National Socialist German Worker’s Party), under control of the SA, Sturmabteilung, (Storm/Assault Detachment). In April 1924 the Jugendbund der NSDAP was renamed Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung (Greater German Youth Movement), and on July 4TH 1926 the Grossdeutsche Jugendbewegung was officially renamed Hitler Jugend Bund der deutschen Arbeiterjugend, (Hitler Youth League of German Worker Youth). The traditional Prussian eagle can be traced back to Charlemagne who adopted it from the displayed eagle emblem featured on the Standards of the Roman Legions when he was crowned as emperor in 800 AD. The Prussian eagle was retained through-out the years with minor modifications. The Hitler Youth adopted the Prussian style eagle for use on the HJ Bannfahne and DJ Jungbannfahne, the HJ Standard bearers gorget the scabbard of the HJ Leaders Dagger, on musical instruments and assorted sports awards and events badges to perpetuate the Imperial Prussian military tradition. Originally the Prussian eagle clutched a sword in its right talon signifying justice and a scepter in its left talon signifying authority but in the HJ version this was altered to a sword and a hammer signifying nationalism and socialism respectively

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Die stamped alloy HJ style Prussian eagle with a fire gilt finish. The eagle is in the "displayed" position with out-stretched wings and spread legs with an upright, unsheathed, sword clutched in its right talon and a hammer clutched in its left talon. The eagle also has an embossed canted swastika on its breast. The eagles wingspan is roughly, 50mm from tip to tip and the eagle is quite convex. The semi-scooped reverse is well marked with impressed RZM logo with dual circular borders and the manufacturers code, "M1/47", indicating manufacture by Christian Theodor Dicke Lüdenscheid. Two mounting posts to the reverse. Of Note: A photographic example of this style eagle can be seen in J. R. Angolia’s book, The HJ, volume one, page 121.