NSDAP 'Youth' Stickpin - Opinions Please

[TobyR]

Hi Everyone,

I picked this up at the weekend. Initially, without my reference books, I had thought it to be a pin for the ship, "Robert Ley". However, once I had Cone's book in hand, I saw that I was mistaken, and it is purportedly an early Youth pin (1922 - 1930 according to Cone).

Anyway, as you can see the badge is in superb state, retaining much of the silvered finish. Incidentally, Cone describes these as being silver over a copper base metal, which this one would seem to be. Also, shear marks are very strong around the edges of the badge. And the stickpin is knurled (not that that is a sure-sign).

I have a good feeling about this badge (though I could of course be sorely mistaken) but would most certainly value the opinions of my fellow forum members.

As with everything there is a story (although this was told to me after I'd bought the pin). Apparently, it came from South-West Africa (Windhoek).

Anyway, I look forward to your thoughts on this.

Thanks for looking.

All the best,
Toby.

[TobyR]

Close-up;

[TobyR]

Reverse;

[DanCz]

Hi Toby,



I too have an example in my collection - - and never had cause to doubt its originality. Not in as good a condition as yours tho. One of the very first items I picked up nearly 30 years ago. Was told it was an early HJ pin. Only ever seen a couple for sale or in collections. A rare piece. The "fake" of this badge is well easy to spot.

[TobyR]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for replying and glad to hear that you give it a .

Anyone else have an example of this pin?

All the best,
Toby.

[VerKuilen Ager]

There's an old German insignia and jewelry catalog that is the basis for the documentation on a lot of the early material and several types of these flag pins were listed. All were intended as general use patriotic or political symbols (four or five are reprinted in Heering-Hüsken).

P.S. I know I risk stirring up the hornets, but I'm in the camp that takes all of Cone's info with a large grain of salt.

[sjl]

P.S. I know I risk stirring up the hornets, but I'm in the camp that takes all of Cone's info with a large grain of salt.

I'm with our glorious moderator there - Cone is a groundbreaking work, but there are a number of questionable items shown. Then again, I take all reference books (including my own) with a grain of salt.

[TobyR]

VerKuilen, Stephen,

Belated thanks for replying.

I agree with you both (and should remind myself to do so): Cone and all others must be taken with a pinch of salt.

I suppose the problem with Cone is that his is, as of yet, the main work, when it comes to organisational badges.

All the best,
Toby.

[VerKuilen Ager]

Perhaps Cone's book has been popular because it is in English? However, if volume, accuracy, and diversity are the criteria I don't know why Heering and Hüsken's Katalog der Abzeichen deutscher Organisationen 1871-1945 doesn't rate as the main reference. Over 400 pages, photo illustrated, and still available.

Prior to that Brüggemann and Rowedder's Deutschland im Spiegel seiner Abzeichen 1930-1945 was what I'd name as the groundbreaking attempt at documenting this material (volume 2 appeared in 1977, it's long out of print) . . . and the one from which certain others may have borrowed somewhat generously. I still refer to my copy regularly.

And any true enthusiast should have a copy of Heering's Deutsche Organisationen 1871-1945 von A-Z. The lack of cross referencing can drive you nuts, but where else are you going to get confirmation on something like the Bund Deutscher Zithermusik-Vereine? 10,000 organizations listed , and still available.

[sjl]

The big problem with Husken, Heering, Bruggeman & Rowedder is they don't show reverses. Great books, but for a collector a lot turns on the back of these pins.

Plus I've always thought that anyone collecting in this area better learn a little German.

[TobyR]

I suppose I should have been more specific: Cone's is, as of yet, the main work in the English language.

Myself, I do read German but most people I meet at fairs and the like, tend to refer to Cone more than anyone else, no doubt because it is in English.

Best,
Toby.