WWII GERMAN HITLER YOUTH TANSITIONAL KNIFE -
The NSDAP had a youth movement as early as 1922. The Hitler Youth came into existance in 1926. The first leader of
the organization was Adolf Lenk. Membership consisted of small groups. Once Hitler rose to power in 1933 the number
of members increased significantly. A second boost was received in 1934 when all sports and youth organizations
became a part of the Hitler Youth. By 1939 the approximate number of members grew to 9 million.
Membership into the organization was voluntary until 1939. At this point 17 year old kids were required to join the
Hitler Youth. In 1941 service became compulsory for all youths, male and female age 10 and older.
Every member of the Hitler Youth recieved a knife. These were utilitarian blades that were meant for use and not
just for display. This explains why it is so difficult to find a Hitler Youth knife in good condition today.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII Hitler Youth items. 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 Hitler Youth collectible 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 design of the knife consists of a rounded pommel with black plastic grips. One side of the grips has the
Hitler Youth diamond in enamel. The crossguard has the single arm. The blade is of single edge construction
with the RZM and logo placed near the throat in one side.
The scabbard is of smotth metal. The leather strap has broken off. The front rivet near the throat is
present.
This belt buckle 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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