History

The so-called "political" cap eagle emblem used for NSDAP and SA caps can also be found on HJ caps. There were three different patterns, the first introduced in 1929, the second in 1934, and the third in 1936. Furthermore, each pattern could be made of cloth or metal, depending on the date, the cap, or the wearer's rank.

The eagle insignia as a piece of HJ headgear insignia was initially used for the ranks of Kameradschaftsführer and above on the leader caps. It was worn above the HJ diamond.

On January 31, 1936, it was also allowed for use on the field cap, with the eagle above diamond. It is unknown if this was true for all ranks. It was removed again at some point between 1939 and 1941. A regulation finally confirmed this officially on May 30, 1942.

The eagle was strictly forbidden on the winter service cap by a regulation from September 26, 1935. The same regulation stated that on the ski cap, leaders wore either an eagle or a HJ diamond, but not both.

The eagle was worn for a short period of time on the Naval HJ cap as well. It is unknown when this was introduced, but regulations forbade this practice on September 30, 1938.

For details, see the chapter about HJ headgear.