The Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge

Average Price:

$400 to $700

(The cost varies based on the medal’s historical significance, the recipient’s background, and the condition of the medal)

Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
Institution: January 1937
Country: Germany

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: