Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII HJ shooting proficiency marksman badge manufactured by Rudolf Reiling of Pforzheim and marked RZM M1/25 on the reverse. Measuring approximately 27mm in diameter, it is a slightly convex, two-piece die struck alloy badge with multicolored enamel, nickel or silver colored plating, a separately applied central HJ emblem, and a functional safety pin style attachment.

Shooting instruction formed an important part of HJ paramilitary training. The basic HJ marksman badge, or Schützenabzeichen, was awarded to qualifying members who demonstrated proficiency with small caliber rifles. Higher levels of recognition were later established for sharpshooter and master shooter qualifications.

The badge has a recessed outer oak leaf wreath surrounding four concentric target rings on a black enamel field. A separately applied HJ diamond is positioned over a pair of crossed rifles at the center.

The HJ diamond features translucent red enamel at the upper and lower points, white enamel at the sides, and a central black mobile swas.

The reverse is marked with an embossed RZM logo within dual circular borders and the manufacturer code:

M1/25

This RZM code identifies Rudolf Reiling of Pforzheim as the licensed maker. Comparable examples bearing the same M1/25 code and central target, crossed rifle, and HJ diamond design are identified as HJ marksman badges.

The badge remains in very good overall condition. The obverse plating shows areas of wear, while the plating on the reverse is better retained and has developed some tarnished oxidation.

There is also wear to portions of the black enamel target rings. The remaining red, white, and black enamel is well retained, and the separately applied central device remains securely mounted.

The reverse retains its original safety pin style attachment, which remains functional.

With its clearly marked RZM M1/25 reverse, desirable Rudolf Reiling attribution, two-piece construction, separately applied HJ diamond, crossed rifles, oak leaf border, and substantially retained multicolored enamel, this is an attractive example of the basic HJ shooting proficiency badge. The obverse plating wear, reverse tarnish, black enamel wear, and general age related oxidation are fully disclosed. It would display particularly well in an HJ organization, German shooting award, RZM marked badge, Rudolf Reiling, youth training, or advanced WWII political insignia collection.

Of Note: In late 1934 items manufactured for the NSDAP and other organizations, including membership pins, came under the quality control of the RZM, Reichzeugmeisterei, (National Equipment Quartermaster) and as a result were marked with the RZM logo when appropriate. The registry was based at the Brown house in Munich and NSDAP party headquarters in Berlin. The RZM ensured that the manufacturers of military items were consistent in design, quality of materials and other characteristics of the items. It also defined standards of design, manufacturing and quality and published an authoritative color chart for textiles. The M1 in the code stands for Metal Badges, with Rudolf Reiling of Pforzheim being contractor number 25.