German Awards - Hitlerjugend Ski Guide Signs

The Hitler Youth ski leader's badge was probably donated along with other sporting badges by HJ Baldur von Schirach, the Reichsügendführer around 1934. Illustrations appeared in the HJ manual back in 1934. Nothing is known about the requirements for awarding and the number of awards. It is assumed that to work as a ski guide, it was necessary to pass the appropriate exam. Education in annexed Austria also seems likely. The end of the award could have been around 1942, since alpine clubs had to provide equipment, such as skiing, etc., for military purposes.
Despite the paucity of information, it is believed that these badges were issued. The only manufacturers are Wittmann, Munich and F.Hoffstetter, Bonn. Wittmann is the main supplier. F. Hoffstetter signs are extremely rare compared to Wittmann. With the rear marking of the manufacturer, this is GES.GES. - Hoffstetter has 2 lines between each other, Wittman has one line. In total, less than 100 copies are expected. The exact figure can only be assumed.

Round openwork badge made of silver-plated non-ferrous metal. On the back there are 2 horizontal pins in the upper and lower third. The manufacturer's designation is on the bottom edge between the skis.

Front side:

• The edge is formed by a wide smooth ring.
• Place two crossed skis on the ring, the ends and tops of which rise above the ring.
• Ski tops are directed upward and toward the center.
• Center on crossed skis, in openwork midfield, large edelweiss.
In
• the center of an edelweiss the red-white enameled rhombus of the Hitler Youth with a swastika.
• On a smooth rim, the font increases: on the left - SKI -, at the top - HJ.-, on the right - LEADER -.

Downside:

• The ring is smooth and silver-plated. The center is embossed with edelweiss and rhombus semi-brim.
• Deepened along the bottom edge: on the left - GES.- GES.-, on the right - WITTMANN -/- MÜNCHEN -.
In
• the upper and lower thirds, a round pin with reciprocal hooks.