WWII NAZI GERMAN HITLER YOUTH MARKSMANSHIP BADGES

WWII Nazi German Hitler Youth Badge lot to include 1) HJ SHARPSHOOTER'S BADGE IN SILVER. Roughly 27mm diameter, slightly convexed, two piece, die stuck alloy construction badge with a multi-colored enamel and nickel/silver plated finish. Badge features a recessed, embossed outer oak-leaf wreath encompassing four concentric "target" rings on a black enamel background field with a separate, raised, HJ diamond superimposed over crossed rifles affixed rivetted to the center. The HJ diamond features semi-translucent red enamel field to top and bottom quarters and white enamel fields to the side quarters, with a central black canted enamel swastika. Reverse of the badge is well marked with embossed RZM logo with dual circular borders and manufacturers code, "M1/102" indicating manufacture by Frank & Reif of Stuttgart.. Badge is complete with its original combined pin and catch assembly intact to reverse. Of Note: From its institution in 1938 until the end of 1943 it is alleged that 31,904 Sharpshooter Badges were awarded. Also Of Note: The series of HJ shooting badges was expanded with the introduction of a Master Shooters Badge in December 1941. This higher class badge required ten shots in each of the same four positions as the Sharpshooters badge but with a higher degree of accuracy. 2) HJ MARKSMAN'S BADGE IN GOLD. Roughly 27mm diameter, slightly convexed, two piece, die stuck alloy construction badge with a multi-colored enamel and gilt plated finish. Badge features a recessed, embossed outer oak-leaf wreath encompassing four concentric "target" rings on a black enamel background field with a separate, raised, HJ diamond superimposed over crossed rifles affixed rivetted to the center. The HJ diamond features semi-translucent red enamel field to top and bottom quarters and white enamel fields to the side quarters, with a central black canted enamel swastika. Reverse of the badge is well marked with embossed RZM logo with dual circular borders and manufacturers code, "M1/102" indicating manufacture by Frank & Reif Stuttgart. Badge is complete with its original combined pin and catch assembly intact to reverse. Of Note: From its institution in 1938 until the end of 1943 it is alleged that 31,904 Sharpshooter Badges were awarded. Also Of Note: The series of HJ shooting badges was expanded with the introduction of a Master Shooters Badge in December 1941. This higher class badge required ten shots in each of the same four positions as the Sharpshooters badge but with a higher degree of accuracy. In 1936 Reichsjugendführer Baldur von Schirach established a HJ Firearms School in Obermatzfeld Thuringia to stimulate expertise in firearm handling and to further the para-military training of the HJ. Shortly after the establishment of the HJ Firearms School von Schirach instituted a Marksman’s Badge for HJ members who had proven their proficiency with firearms, followed in 1938 by the establishment of a Sharpshooter’s Badge for HJ members and a new Marksman’s Badge for DJ members with each badge having different award criteria. The HJ Sharpshooters badge was awarded to HJ members over the age of sixteen for proficiency in target shooting, with small caliber rifles. Qualification for bestowal of the badge consisted of the accurate results of ten shots fired from a unsupported prone position, ten shots from a supported prone position, ten shots from a unsupported kneeling position, and an additional ten "rapid fire" shots from a standing position.