*German, WW2, Hitlerjugend (HJ - Hitler Youth) Flag, RZM Marked, Gau Hamburg H.J. Gruppe, 85 × 150 cm*
An original German Third Reich Hitler Youth organisational flag, measuring approximately 85 × 150 cm, retaining both an official Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) control stamp and a clear unit marking for Hamburg H.J. Gruppe to the hoist.
The flag is constructed in traditional cotton bunting, with a separately applied white diamond panel and black swastika device formed from individual sewn panels, rather than printed. This style of construction is typical of period organisational flags produced for use by Hitler Youth units during the Third Reich. The red field retains strong colour, while the central device remains bold and well defined. The hoist edge is reinforced with a heavy cotton canvas header, fitted with a braided suspension cord loop allowing the flag to be attached to a pole or halyard. Ink stamps are present along this hoist tape.
One stamp clearly reads: “Hamburg – H.J. Gruppe” identifying the flag as belonging to a specific Hitler Youth group operating within the Hamburg Gau administrative district. Adjacent to this is a rectangular RZM inspection and manufacturer control stamp, incorporating the RZM diamond emblem. When oriented correctly, the stamp follows the standard format used on officially authorised Nazi Party equipment and appears to reads in part: “Reichszeugmeisterei der NSDAP” “Hersteller des HJ-Fahnentuchs” “Nr. 6 – Gau Hamburg” These markings indicate that the flag cloth was produced by an RZM-licensed manufacturer under the supervision of the Reichszeugmeisterei, the central authority responsible for regulating the manufacture and quality control of Nazi Party uniforms and organisational equipment.
The hoist tape also bears the size designation “85 × 150”, corresponding with known standard sizes used for Hitler Youth organisational flags.
Overall construction — including the cotton bunting body, sewn appliqué central device, canvas hoist header and official RZM markings — is consistent with period-produced Hitler Youth flags manufactured during the Third Reich era.
Approx. Measurements – 85 cm × 150 cm
Historical Note:
The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) served as the official youth organisation of Nazi Germany and, from 1936 onwards, membership effectively became compulsory for boys of appropriate age. The organisation was structured along regional administrative districts known as Gaue, each containing numerous local units or groups.
Hamburg functioned both as a major German city and as a Nazi Gau, with numerous Hitler Youth groups operating within the district. Flags such as this example were issued to individual groups and used during parades, rallies, training activities and organisational gatherings, serving both ceremonial and identification purposes.
Following Germany’s defeat in 1945 the Hitler Youth and all other Nazi Party organisations were formally dissolved and banned by Allied authorities, making surviving examples of their equipment historical artefacts of the period.
*Condition*
The flag remains in very good original condition overall, displaying typical signs of age and use. The red cotton bunting retains strong colour but shows areas of light staining and storage marks. The white diamond panel exhibits some handling marks and minor surface staining, while the canvas hoist header shows age toning and scattered marks consistent with long-term storage. The stitching and construction remain sound and the hoist loop cord is intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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