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Tag: Nazi Germany

The Germanic Proficiency Runes

The Nazi regime introduced a sports badge for non-Germans who were part of the Germanic-SS and Waffen-SS, known as the runes.

The Germanic Proficiency Runes Badge, established on August 15, 1943, was awarded to non-German members of the Germanic-SS and Waffen-SS who demonstrated exceptional physical fitness and adherence to Nazi ideology.

The Germanic Proficiency Runes were awarded in two grades: bronze and silver. The distinction between these grades was based on the level of physical achievement demonstrated by the recipients.

The tests for these awards were similar to those required for the SA Sports Badge, ensuring a standardized measure of physical fitness across both German and non-German SS members.

The creation of the Germanic Proficiency Runes served several purposes. It was a tool for promoting physical fitness and readiness among non-German SS members. Additionally, it reinforced the ideology of the Germanic-SS, which sought to include ethnically Germanic volunteers from occupied and neutral countries in Europe.

The Germanic Proficiency Runes Tests

Recipients of the Germanic Proficiency Runes had to undergo rigorous physical tests that were on par with the requirements for the SA Sports Badge. These tests included a variety of athletic and endurance challenges designed to assess overall physical fitness, agility, strength, and stamina. The aim was to maintain a high level of physical preparedness among the SS troops, irrespective of their nationality.

The SS Zivilabzeichen Badge

The SS Zivilabzeichen Badge, also known as the SS Civil Badge, was a lapel pin issued to SS members between 1933 and 1938.

The SS Zivilabzeichen, also known as the SS Civil Badge, was a lapel pin issued to SS members between 1933 and 1938. This badge, displaying the SS runes, was worn on civilian clothing to signify membership in the SS.

The badge was predominantly awarded to veteran SS members within the Sicherheitspolizei, though there was no strict criteria for its issuance. Members simply had to apply to the SS-Hauptamt to receive it.

Known Badge Numbers

  • Adolf Hitler: Honorary SS number “1”. His badge was kept in his Munich apartment and later taken by 1st Lieutenant Philip Ben Lieber in 1945. This badge, along with other items owned by Hitler, was sold through Mohawk Arms to collectors Stephen Wolfe and Neil Hardin, and eventually acquired by collector Craig Gottlieb in 2013.
  • Heinrich Himmler: Badge number 2.
  • Adolf Eichmann: Badge number 6,375.
  • Gustav Lombard: Badge number 72,723.
  • Karl Freiherr Michel von Tüßling: Badge number 106,983.
  • Ernst Kaltenbrunner: Badge number 160,180.
  • Hermann Senkowsky: Badge number 169,582.

The SS Membership Runes for Order Police

The SS Membership Runes for Order Police was a badge worn by members of the Ordnungspolizei who were also full members of the SS.

The SS Membership Runes for Order Police was a badge worn by members of the Ordnungspolizei (Orpo) who were also full members of the Schutzstaffel (SS). This badge featured two white Sig Runes, the symbol of the SS, and was centered on the lower left-hand pocket of the jacket.

This badge marked the initial step towards merging the Order Police with the SS, a process supported by Kurt Daluege and Heinrich Himmler. The integration advanced further in 1942, when all Orpo Police Generals were granted equivalent SS ranks and began wearing modified SS-Police rank insignia.

The SS Membership Runes for Order Police Design

The badge was centered on the lower left-hand jacket pocket. It prominently featured two white Sig Runes, which are the iconic symbol of the SS, signifying the wearer’s dual membership in both the Order Police and the SS.

The two white Sig Runes were centrally placed, symbolizing the SS. The runes are in a stylized font typical of Nazi iconography.

The background of the badge is a dark green color, creating a strong contrast with the white runes and ensuring the symbol is easily recognizable from a distance.

The SS Chevron for Former Police and Military

The SS Chevron for Former Police and Military was a service badge awarded to members of the Nazi Party Schutzstaffel (SS) for service.

The SS Chevron for Former Police and Military (or SS-Ehrenwinkel mit Stern für ehemalige Polizei- und Wehrmachtsangehörige in German) was a service badge awarded to members of the Nazi Party Schutzstaffel (SS) who had previously served in law enforcement, the Reichswehr, or Der Stahlhelm, Bund der Frontsoldaten (“The Steel Helmet, League of Front-Line Soldiers”).

Notable recipients included Arthur Nebe, recognized for his service as a detective with the Berlin Police Department, and Franz Josef Huber, who had served as a police inspector with the Munich Police Department.

The SS Chevron for Former Police and Military Design

This badge signified prior professional service and was visually similar to the Honor Chevron for the Old Guard, distinguished by a darkened center and a silver service pip.

The average price for an authentic SS Chevron for Former Police and Military typically ranges from $300 to $600 USD, depending on its condition and provenance.

The Hitler Youth Shooting Badge

The Hitler Youth Shooting Badge was awarded in three grades to recognize proficiency in marksmanship within the Hitler Youth.

The Hitler Youth Shooting Badges (or Hitler Jugend Schiessauszeichnungen in German) were awarded in three grades to recognize proficiency in marksmanship within the Hitler Youth.

Each badge was worn on the left breast pocket of the Hitler Youth uniform and had specific design elements to denote the level of proficiency.

The Hitler Youth Shooting Badge Grades and Design

Proficient Shooters (Für Schützen)

    • Instituted: 1936
    • Design: Circular silver and enamel badge shaped like a target, featuring the Hitler Youth emblem in the center, flanked by two crossed rifles.
    • Awards: By the end of 1943, a total of 273,545 badges had been awarded.

Sharpshooters (Für Scharfschützen)

    • Instituted: 1938
    • Design: Similar to the proficient shooters badge but edged with a silver wreath.
    • Awards: By the end of 1943, 31,904 badges had been awarded.

Champion Shots (Für Meisterschützen)

    • Instituted: 1938
    • Design: Similar to the sharpshooters badge but edged with a gilt wreath.
    • Awards: By the end of 1943, only 852 badges had been awarded.

Jungvolk Shooting Badge (Schiessauszeichnunge des Deutsches Jungvolks)

    • Design: Similar to the proficient shooters badge but includes the Jungvolk emblem in front of crossed rifles, with the letters ‘D’ ‘J’ flanking the design.
    • Awards: By the end of 1943, 580,872 badges had been awarded.

Other Hitler Youth Badges

The variety of Hitler Youth badges arose from the organization’s desire to recognize different levels of achievement, service, and merit among its members. These included:

Hitler Youth Information

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The Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge

The Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge was established to recognize members for proficiency in athletics, field craft, and political knowledge.

The Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge (or Leistungsabzeichen der Hitler Jugend in German) was established in June 1934 to recognize Hitler Youth members who demonstrated proficiency in athletics, field craft, and basic political knowledge.

The badge was awarded in different versions based on the age and achievement level of the recipient. It was presented in silver for boys over 17 and in bronze for 16-year-olds. Members of the Jungvolk initially received a black version until 1937 when a distinct Jungvolk badge was introduced.

By the end of 1943, a significant number of these badges had been awarded:

  • Bronze Badges: 103,061
  • Silver Badges: 217,093

These figures highlight the widespread implementation of this award within the Hitler Youth organization as a means to encourage and reward physical and ideological training.

The Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge Design

The obverse of the badge features a swastika encircled by a ring inscribed with ‘Für Leistungen in der HJ’ (For achievements in the HJ) in runic-style script. This design is set against a large tiwaz rune.

The reverse of the badge is numbered and equipped with a pin for attachment to the breast pocket.

Other Hitler Youth Badges

The variety of Hitler Youth badges arose from the organization’s desire to recognize different levels of achievement, service, and merit among its members. These included:

Hitler Youth Information

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The Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge

The Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge was designed to recognize those in the Hitler Youth and Jungvolk who excelled in an annual fitness test.

Instituted in January 1937, the Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge in Gold (or Goldenes Führersportabzeichen der Hitler Jugend in German) was designed to recognize officers in the Hitler Youth and Jungvolk who excelled in an annual fitness test. These tests covered a range of sports and physical activities to assess the fitness and proficiency of the officers. In May 1938, this prestigious badge was officially established to honor those who achieved the highest scores.

Over 11,000 of these badges were awarded, making it a relatively common yet highly regarded decoration among Hitler Youth officers. Each badge was individually numbered, adding a layer of uniqueness to every awarded piece.

The Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge Design

The badge is crafted from copper gilt and features, in the obverse, a prominent swastika at its center. Surrounding the swastika is a ring with the inscription ‘Für Leistungen in der HJ’ (For achievements in the HJ) in runic-style script. This is set in front of a large tiwaz rune, symbolizing the warrior god Tyr, and encircled by a narrow laurel wreath.

The reverse side of the badge is numbered and equipped with a pin, allowing it to be worn on the left breast pocket.

Other Hitler Youth Badges

The variety of Hitler Youth badges arose from the organization’s desire to recognize different levels of achievement, service, and merit among its members. These included:

Hitler Youth Information

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The Hitler Youth Badge for Distinguished Foreigners

The Hitler Youth Badge for Distinguished Foreigners was a special honor authorized in 1941 and specifically designed for non-German citizens.

The Hitler Youth Badge for Distinguished Foreigners (or Ehrenzeichen der Reichsjugendführung der Hitler-Jugend für Verdiente Ausländer in German) was a special honor authorized in 1941. This badge was specifically designed for non-German citizens who had shown significant support for the objectives and activities of the Hitler Youth (Hitler-Jugend).

The badge was intended to acknowledge and reward foreign individuals who contributed to the goals and spread of Nazi ideology through the Hitler Youth organization. These individuals played a role in fostering international support for the Nazi regime and its youth programs, promoting the values and principles of the Hitler Youth outside of Germany.

Instituted during the height of World War II, the badge served both as a diplomatic tool and a symbol of the Nazi Party’s international reach.

The Hitler Youth Badge for Foreigners Designs

The badge is an oval-shaped decoration made from gilt and enamel, reflecting its prestigious nature. The design features a spread eagle perched above the emblem of the Hitler Youth, which is centrally placed. Surrounding the central design is a brown enamel band with the inscription “Hitler Jugend,” signifying its association with the Hitler Youth.

Other Hitler Youth Badges

The variety of Hitler Youth badges arose from the organization’s desire to recognize different levels of achievement, service, and merit among its members. These included:

Hitler Youth Information

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The Hitler Youth Badge

The Hitler Youth Badge was a political award in Nazi Germany, given for various levels of service to the Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend).

The Hitler Youth Badge (or Das Hitler-Jugend-Abzeichen in German) was a political award in Nazi Germany, given for various levels of service to the Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend). Initially created in 1929, formal regulations for its presentation were established from 1933. Several other awards for merit and proficiency were also introduced by the Hitler Youth.

Public display of all Nazi Party awards, including the Hitler Youth badge, was banned after 1945.

The Hitler Youth Badge Grades and Designs

Standard Hitler Youth Badge

This badge denoted membership, particularly for leaders, and could not be worn once the individual left the Hitler Youth. It featured a golden-framed rhomboid with a black swastika in a red and white field, edged in silver.

Golden Hitler Youth Badge

Authorized by Hitler on June 23, 1934, and established by National Youth Leader Baldur von Schirach, this badge recognized leadership, long service, or special achievements. It was awarded to those who joined before October 2, 1932, and completed five years of continuous service. It resembled the standard badge but was edged in gold and could be worn indefinitely, even after leaving the Hitler Youth.

Golden Hitler Youth Badge with Oak Leaves

Instituted in 1935, this badge recognized exceptional services to the Hitler Youth and was awarded to about 250 individuals. It had a higher workmanship and was framed with a narrow border of oak leaves.

The Hitler Youth Badge - Nazi Germany Medals - Interwar & WW2
The Hitler Youth Badge - Badge, obverse.
The Hitler Youth Badge - Gold version, obverse.
The Hitler Youth Badge - Gold version, obverse.
The Hitler Youth Badge - With Oak Leaves version, obverse.
The Hitler Youth Badge - With Oak Leaves version, obverse.

Other Hitler Youth Badges

The variety of Hitler Youth badges arose from the organization’s desire to recognize different levels of achievement, service, and merit among its members. These included:

Hitler Youth Information

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The Police Long Service Award (Nazi Germany)

The Police Long Service Award was a commendation given to active members of the German police during the Nazi era.

The Police Long Service Award (or Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung in German) was a commendation given to active members of the German police during the Nazi era. Designed by Professor Richard Klein, the awards varied slightly depending on the length of service.

On January 30, 1938, Adolf Hitler instituted the Police Long Service Award to recognize police personnel based on their years of service. The awards were issued in three grades for eight, eighteen, and twenty-five years of service. 

Eligibility required active membership in the police force or administrative service, with military service time also counting towards the total service duration.

The Police Long Service Award Design

Each medal featured the police insignia—a national eagle emblem surrounded by a wreath—on the obverse, with the inscription “Für treue Dienste in der Polizei” (“For faithful service in the Police”) on the reverse.

Eight-Year Award:

    • Design: Silver, round medal, 38 mm in diameter.
    • Ribbon: Cornflower blue, 35 mm wide.
    • Obverse: Police insignia.
    • Reverse: Number 8 with the inscription “Für treue Dienste in der Polizei.”

Eighteen-Year Award:

    • Design: Silver-gray four-pointed cross (Ordenskreuz), 43 mm in size.
    • Ribbon: Cornflower blue with a woven police insignia, varying in width (37 mm or 51 mm).
    • Obverse: Police insignia.
    • Reverse: Inscription “Für treue Dienste in der Polizei.”

Twenty-Five-Year Award:

    • Design: Gold four-pointed cross (Ordenskreuz), similar to the eighteen-year award but in gold.
    • Presentation Case: Green simulated leather with the number 18 or 25 embossed on the top. Inside, the case had a white satin lid and a velvet lower portion.

On August 12, 1944, a higher grade was authorized for forty years of service, designed as a gold metal bar with the number 40 and oak leaves, to be affixed to the ribbon of the twenty-five-year award. However, there is no record of this being awarded before the end of World War II.