German WWII HJ Diamond-This is a pin back HJ diamond in enamel. It is produced in tombak. The enamel is fully intact, and in very good condition. The reverse has a functioning pin, and a silver finish that is nearly fully intact. The reverse is RZM marked with a M1/155 indicating production by Schwertner & Cie. This is a scarce maker who uses an opaque tomato red enamel. This is in very good condition!
History: Hitler believed German youth to be the future of his 3rd Reich. The HJ (Adolf Hitler Jugend-Hitler Youth) 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 first HJ membership badge was a round cap badge introduced in 1929. In 1933 a second pattern HJ membership badge was introduced and utilized throughout the Third Reich era. The second pattern membership badge was utilized in a metal and enamel form on the headgear and brown shirt uniform and in a cloth form on sports shirts etc. After the introduction of the second pattern badge in 1933 the first pattern badge was still worn as a "traditions" badge until the introduction of the Golden HJ Honor Badge in June 1934.