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WWII GERMAN HITLER YOUTH - PROFICIENCY BADGE -
The Hitler Youth proficiency badge was instituted in 1934, by Baldur Von Schirach. The purpose of the
badge was to reward Hitler Youth members who had improved their ideological and physical performance.
Each member of the organization was eligible for the award. A special qualification book was created
to record the individual's achievements to provide a measure to receive the badge.
The badge consisted of a runic "T" around which was the inscription "For proficiency in the Hitler Youth", written in sham runic script. The inscription circled the swastika.
There were three grades awarded:
| CLASS |
DESCRIPTION |
| Iron |
Awarded to boys 15 years of age. Standard pattern painted black. |
| Bronze |
Awarded to 16 year old boys. Each badge was numbered in the back.
Through 1943, a total of 103,061 badges of this type were issued.
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| Silver |
This badge was awarded to 17 year old boys. It was also serial numbered.
throuh 1943, a total of 217,093 were given.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The manufacturer's markings are clearly visible in this example. An RZM marking is also stamped on the badge.
The pin was designed to hang the badge in a vertical position.
This badge is currently being
reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to
be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving.
The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the
manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine
the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other Hitler Youth items, you can do so by going
to our WWII Hitler Youth Collectibles
identification guide.
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