Original Item: Only One Available. Prior to 1925, an assortment of uniform items were worn by members of the H J National Socialist Youth Organization, mainly consisting of a white shirt and HJ armband. In an attempt to associate themselves more closely with the NSDAP, the HJ adopted the NSDAP brown shirt in 1925. The earliest known headgear worn by the HJ was a soft, civilian style visor cap, and a beret, that were utilized as early as 1926. Uniform regulations of 1933 discontinued both of these early caps, replacing them with a new visor cap.

The cap is a relatively lightweight visor cap, with a ribbed tan cotton twill exterior, an features a full length neck flap made from the same material. Caps with neck flaps are extremely rare, and this is the only example that we have ever handled. It features a one-piece circular crown, and a body with seams to each of its cardinal points, with piping made from the same material as the rest of the cap. The visor is the standard cloth covered cardboard, and has some bends and ripples due to age and service.

The front crown of the cap has a very nice first pattern (circa 1927), die stamped alloy, spread-winged eagle with a wreathed, mobile swas in its talons. Below this, attached to the center band is an enameled HJ badge. There is a dark brown leather chin strap attached to the cap with two pins, though one or both may be period replacements.

The interior of the cap is lined with white lightweight canvas, and it is maker marked on the inside of the crown by F & A. Diringer of Munich, under the size 57. It features a wide ersatz faux leather sweatband, which shows some light wear, but is still supple, with no major tears or deterioration, just finish loss.

A very nice example of a rare early HJ cap, with an even rarer neck flap. In great collectible condition and ready to display!

HJ believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (jugend or HJ) 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.