SMGP-0019 Hitler youth proficiency badge in bronze

This badge is made from a heavy high-quality zinc. Some zinc pest has infiltrated the dark bronze finish. That you see in gray is the base zinc metal after removal of the zinc pest.

A nice value badge.

The award was instituted in three classes in June 1934 by Reichsjugendführer Balder von Schirach, as an incentive to improve the physical and ideological proficiency of the varying age groups of the growing membership of the Hitler Youth.  It was stated at the time that the H J achievement badge was a prestigious award which every fit and ambitious Hitler boy and H J leader should aim for. It was only to be awarded by the Reichsjugendführer to those who meet the stringent requirements that had been laid down. Those who wished to be awarded the badge would have to take a very keen part in at least 8 ideology study periods. These would be held as part of weekly meetings. All members of the Hitler Youth were issued a Leistungsbuch to record the achievements of the members and then to act as a certificate of proficiency. For members of the Marine-H J and the Motor-H J there were to be additional tasks, which would test the disciplines specific to these respective organizations. DJ and H J boys were issued a book with one set of grading standards while the J M and B D M girls were given a book with another set. The award was primarily intended to test the abilities of the members in the following areas, Sport, Small-caliber (or air-rifle) shooting and Field Exercises.