*German, WWII – Hitlerjugend (HJ) Proficiency Shooting Award (Silver Grade), by Frank & Reif, Stuttgart – RZM M1/102*
A genuine Hitler Youth Shooting Badge (Schießauszeichnung), Silver Grade, constructed in tombak with silvered finish and multi-colour enamel. The design features a black concentric shooting-target field surrounded by a raised oak-leaf wreath, with crossed rifles behind the central HJ diamond bearing a black swastika on red and yellow translucent enamel panels. The reverse is correctly stamped with maker code RZM M1/102 for Frank & Reif, Stuttgart, with additional circular RZM control mark and the standard vertical pin-back fitting.
Award diameter approx. 2.2 cm.
Historical Note: Instituted in 1936, the HJ Shooting Badges recognised marksmanship training and proficiency within the Hitler Youth — part of the organisation’s focus on pre-military conditioning. Three grades were issued (Bronze, Silver, and the highest Silver with Wreath), awarded only upon meeting strict shooting performance criteria under NSDAP-controlled supervision. Due to both combat losses and post-war destruction of Nazi-insignia items, authentic HJ shooting awards — especially correctly marked examples — remain increasingly rare.
*Condition* Good overall original condition. Silvered finish shows expected age darkening with some handling wear. The enamel remains largely intact and vibrant, minor tone shift to the lower white panel, typical for some Frank & Reif production, with a small area of loss to the opposite lower enamel quadrant. Reverse pin and hinge are fully intact and original. No evidence of repair or post-war alteration. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
