Original German Third Reich HJ National Youth Association Member Armband With Insignia
SKU: GERMAN THIRD REICH NATIONAL YOUTH ASSOCIATION MEMBER ARMBAND
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer:
Dimensions: approximately 4 inches in height and 8.5 inches in circumference
Condition: Near Mint
Price: $350.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: MAX 150
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description:
This is an original World War II-era German Third Reich National Youth Association (Nationalsozialistische Jugendbund) member’s armband, featuring its embroidered insignia in excellent preserved condition. Constructed of high-quality red cotton twill, the armband features a white central roundel with a finely embroidered black mobile swastika, symbolizing the organization’s affiliation under the larger National Socialist structure. The embroidery is machine-stitched with tight, even threadwork, consistent with wartime German textile production standards. This embroidered armband is in near mint condition and maintains most all of its original color.
The armband measures approximately 4 inches in height and 8.5 inches in circumference when flat, designed to be worn around the upper arm of uniforms during parades, meetings, and official functions. The reverse side retains its factory-stitched seam, typical of authentic period examples rather than postwar reproductions.
This piece served as a visible symbol of youth membership within the broader Nazi Party youth movement—precursor and parallel to the Hitlerjugend—representing loyalty and ideological unity during the Third Reich era.
History:
The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend, abbreviated HJ) was the official youth organization of the Nazi Party, created to indoctrinate German boys aged 14 to 18 with National Socialist ideology. The group focused on physical training, political education, and preparation for eventual service in the military or labor corps. By 1939, membership had become compulsory for all “Aryan” youths in Germany.
Design & Construction
This armband is constructed of red cotton fabric with a white central disk featuring an embroidered black HJ diamond insignia containing the Swas symbol. The embroidered variant was typically reserved for higher-quality uniform use, offering superior craftsmanship and durability compared to the more common printed examples.
- Material: Red cotton with white cotton roundel
- Insignia: Embroidered black diamond with central Swas in white thread
- Dimensions: Approximately 9 cm tall x 22 cm in circumference (standard issue)
- Attachment: Sewn seam for arm fitting on HJ brown shirts or tunics
Symbolism
The red-white-black color scheme mirrored the Nazi national flag, while the black diamond insignia denoted membership in the Hitler Youth organization. Each boy or girl who wore this armband represented the regime’s attempt to mold the next generation under totalitarian principles of obedience, racial ideology, and nationalism.
Collectibility
Authentic embroidered Hitlerjugend armbands are highly sought after among WWII collectors due to their strong historical associations and visual appeal. Examples in excellent condition—especially with tight stitching and minimal fading—are considered valuable display pieces representing a key element of Third Reich youth regalia.
