Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original early HJ National Youth Association belt buckle, or Koppelschloß, dating from the circa 1932-1934 pre-standardization period. It is constructed with a bent brass buckle body and a separately applied nickel alloy HJ diamond insignia, a distinctly different configuration from the later standardized HJ buckles encountered during the WWII period.

The buckle body is formed from brass and has developed an attractive matured patina from age and use. Attached to the front is a nickel alloy HJ rhombus insignia consisting of a central black mobile swas within a horizontally oriented diamond, surrounded by a larger vertically arranged lined diamond.

The insignia is secured to the buckle body by two rear posts and solder, a construction method also encountered on some early political organization buckles of the period. The reverse additionally retains its brass catch loop and plated steel adjustment claw.

This early pattern predates the later standardized HJ buckle design and reflects the transitional nature of uniform equipment during the organization’s early years. Its mixed brass and nickel alloy construction, applied insignia, and distinctive diamond layout immediately separate it from the more commonly encountered later production styles.

Overall condition is very good. The brass body shows a pleasing age patina with scattered areas of staining, while the applied nickel alloy insignia remains intact with only light wear from age and service. No major structural damage is evident.

With its circa 1932-1934 pre-standardization configuration, brass body, separately applied nickel alloy HJ diamond insignia, original catch loop, and plated steel adjustment claw, this is a particularly appealing early HJ belt buckle. The matured brass patina, light staining, and minor wear to the insignia are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in an early HJ uniform, prewar political organization, transitional buckle, or advanced German belt buckle collection.

AH believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ National Youth Organization (H Jugend) was formed officially in 1935, and with the exception of NSDAP ideology indoctrination was very similar to the Boy Scouts. Beginning at about the age of ten years, both boys (AH Jugend) and girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) were enlisted in the Party-run organization. The boys only were given HJ Knives after having passed minor exams. The knives had nickeled hilts with black checkered grip plates. The obverse plate was fitted with an enameled HJ swas insignia. Through 1937, these knives were etched with the motto of the organization, Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!). Examples produced after this date were made with plain blades usually bearing an RZM marking.

The HJ Leaders were professionals in charge of the training and NSDAP education of the German Youth. They wore a special dagger consisting of silvered hilt fittings with blue-black leather-covered scabbard. The grip was composed of tightly wrapped silver wire, over a wood base. The pommel cap featured an HJ diamond on top, complete with swas. The upper scabbard fitting portrayed an open-winged HJ eagle with swas cut into the bird's chest. The blade was etched with the HJ motto, Blut und Ehre