Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent unissued WWII German HJ Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß), with a solid cast zinc Alloy Body. It is embossed with the HJ motto Blut und Ehre (Blood and Honor), around the HJ (jugend) diamond logo. The buckle is in great shape, with only oxidation and storage wear keeping it from being brand new. It even still has the original RZM and HJ marked paper tag! This indicates that it is a koppelschloß Nach Vorschrift der HJF (Belt Buckle According to the regulations of the HJF). The presence of the label indicates that this buckle was never installed on a belt.

The buckle itself on the back with RZM and maker code M4 / 72, indicating manufacture by Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid, a city with a large garment accessory industry.

A great example of an unissued HJ Belt buckle with RZM tag, ready to add to your collection!

AH believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (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 (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. They were also issued a knife belt with the HJ logo, very similar to the standard military issue belts.

Of Note: In late 1934 items manufactured for the NSDAP and other organizaions, 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 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 M4 in the code stands for Belt Buckles, with Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid being contractor number 72.