A Deutsches Volk (DJ) Membership Badge

A 1930’s Deutsches Jungvolk (German Youths) badge; in silvered tombac and black and red enamels; horizontal pinback; marked “Ges. Gesch.” on reverse; measuring 21 mm in diameter; very fine condition.

Footnote: The Deutsches Jungvolk was a youth organization similar to the Hitler Youth, but was meant solely for boys of the ages 10-14. Membership became fully compulsory for boys in 1939. By the end of the war some members had become child soldiers to fend off allied advances as a desperate last resort.