austrian youth organization?

[Zeller]

I am posting this pin for a more correct identification. Believe it's related to an austrian nationalist or national-socialist youth organisation

[Garry M.]

Hi Matt,

Yes, it's for the 'V.F. Werk Österreichisches Jungvolk'. As you say this was an Austrian fascist youth organisation and was part of Dollfuss' 'Vaterländische Front (VF)' formed in 1933. The youth section of the movement was formed in 1936 but differed in many ways to the HJ with which it was in competition until the Anschluss in 1938.

The badge uses the letters O, J and V for Österreichisches Jungvolk in its design.

Here are mine. One is in a gold colour like yours where the other two are silver but I have no idea whether this has any significance. The small silver is GES GESCH marked. No markings on the other two.

[Zeller]

thank you Garry, the larger badge is terrific! I don't know if these pins are common or not, but I do like them very much!

[Garry M.]

Certainly in my experience these aren't common items Matt. I haven't seen any for sale anywhere since I picked up mine in 2006 and yours is the only other OJV badge I've seen on the forums I visit. When it was dissolved in March 1938 the OJV membership stood at 130,000 so the question is how many of these badges are likely to have survived? Not many it would appear. Either that or people don't perhaps know what they have.

Quick edit to add more info.

[Zeller]

hello Garry
thanks for the extra infos. I also think they aren't that common, but still very collecticable!