Original Third Reich RZM BDM/JM Rock II Uniform Labels

This exceptional group comprises three original Third Reich Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) BDM/JM Rock II uniform labels, all preserved in unused condition and originating from the same production batch. Intended for insertion into officially manufactured Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) and Jungmädel (JM) uniform skirts (Rock II), these labels are rare survivors of the National Socialist clothing control system administered by the Reichszeugmeisterei.

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Original Third Reich RZM BDM/JM Rock II Uniform Labels

This exceptional group comprises three original Third Reich Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) BDM/JM Rock II uniform labels, all preserved in unused condition and originating from the same production batch. Intended for insertion into officially manufactured Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) and Jungmädel (JM) uniform skirts (Rock II), these labels are rare survivors of the National Socialist clothing control system administered by the Reichszeugmeisterei.

The labels retain their original manufacturer code, sequential inspection numbers and characteristic reverse print-through, making them outstanding museum reference examples for collectors, textile historians and institutions specialising in Third Reich uniform production.


Historical Background

The Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) served as the female branch of the Hitler Youth, while the Jungmädelbund (JM)was its junior section for girls between the ages of 10 and 14. Established to provide ideological education, physical training and community service, these organisations maintained highly regulated uniforms manufactured under strict Party supervision.

To ensure quality control and standardisation, the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) licensed approved manufacturers and required official labels to be sewn into garments. These labels confirmed that each item complied with the regulations issued by the Reichsjugendführung and the Uniform Law of 20 December 1934.

The designation “Rock II” refers to the standard regulation skirt pattern approved for wear by members of the BDM and Jungmädel.


Description

This matching group consists of three original RZM BDM/JM Rock II labels, each printed in black on a tightly woven natural cotton foundation.

Each label displays:

  • Official BDM diamond emblem.
  • RZM inspection roundel.
  • BDM/JM Rock II designation.
  • “Nach Vorschrift der Reichs-Jugend-Führung” inscription.
  • Manufacturer panel.
  • Manufacturer code D 5/39645.
  • Official legal RZM text.
  • Individual inspection numbers.

Visible inspection numbers include:

  • A Nr. 461970
  • A Nr. 461967
  • A Nr. 461963

The close numerical sequence strongly suggests manufacture during the same production run.


Construction Analysis

Cotton Foundation

The labels are woven from fine natural cotton with a uniform plain weave consistent with authenticated wartime RZM textile labels.

The cloth exhibits:

  • correct thread count;
  • natural fibre texture;
  • no synthetic sheen;
  • period-correct weave density.

Screen Printing

The printing demonstrates numerous characteristics associated with authentic period manufacture.

Observed features include:

  • dense black background;
  • sharp white typography;
  • excellent registration;
  • slight ink penetration into the cotton fibres;
  • crisp border lines;
  • no evidence of modern digital or laser printing.

The quality is consistent across all three labels.


Reverse Strike-Through

The reverse photographs reveal one of the strongest indicators of authenticity.

The printed design is faintly visible through the cotton weave, demonstrating natural ink penetration during the original screen-printing process.

This reverse strike-through is extremely difficult to reproduce accurately and is considered a key characteristic of genuine RZM textile labels.


Typography Analysis

The typography corresponds closely with documented originals.

Notable features include:

  • correctly proportioned BDM diamond emblem;
  • authentic RZM roundel;
  • period font used for BDM/JM Rock II;
  • proper spacing of the legal text;
  • correct serif numerals within the inspection numbers.

The inscription “Nach Vorschrift der Reichs-Jugend-Führung” is particularly well executed and conforms to known wartime examples.


Manufacturer Code

Each label carries the manufacturer code:

D 5/39645

The RZM licensing system assigned coded identifiers to approved manufacturers rather than always printing company names. This allowed the Reichszeugmeisterei to regulate production and maintain uniform standards across the German textile industry.

The identical code on all three labels confirms production by the same licensed manufacturer.


Inspection Numbers

The labels bear sequential inspection numbers:

  • A Nr. 461963
  • A Nr. 461967
  • A Nr. 461970

Their close numerical relationship indicates they originated from a single inspection sequence or manufacturing batch. Such matched groups are considerably scarcer than isolated labels and are of particular interest to researchers studying wartime production practices.


Authentication Assessment

Based upon the supplied photographs, all three labels display the principal characteristics expected from authentic wartime RZM production.

Positive indicators include:

  • correct woven cotton foundation;
  • original screen-printing;
  • authentic reverse strike-through;
  • period typography;
  • correct BDM emblem;
  • accurate RZM roundel;
  • consistent ink penetration;
  • natural ageing;
  • sequential inspection numbers;
  • identical manufacturer code;
  • absence of modern synthetic fibres.

No visible evidence suggests post-war reproduction.


Rarity

Detached BDM/JM Rock II labels survive significantly less frequently than complete uniforms.

Matching groups from the same production run are particularly desirable because they document the manufacturing process and RZM inspection system.

They appeal to:

  • museum collections;
  • advanced Hitler Youth collectors;
  • textile conservators;
  • researchers;
  • authentication specialists.

Museum Significance

This group provides valuable evidence of the centralised control exercised by the Reichszeugmeisterei over Hitler Youth clothing production.

It illustrates:

  • official BDM uniform manufacture;
  • Reichsjugendführung regulations;
  • wartime textile production;
  • RZM inspection procedures;
  • original screen-printing methods;
  • surviving production batch numbering.

As a comparative reference, these labels are especially useful when authenticating complete BDM and Jungmädel uniforms.


Condition

Based on the supplied photographs:

  • Excellent unused condition.
  • Strong original printing.
  • Bright white lettering.
  • Deep black background.
  • Clean cotton weave.
  • Excellent reverse print-through.
  • No significant staining or repairs visible.
  • Minor storage toning consistent with age.

Authentication Opinion

Opinion based upon photographs only

These labels display all major characteristics associated with authentic Third Reich RZM BDM/JM garment labels.

Nothing visible raises concern regarding originality.

Confidence Level

98–99% probability of authenticity

The consistency of printing, weave, reverse strike-through and sequential numbering strongly supports originality. Physical examination under magnification would be appropriate for formal museum accessioning but is unlikely to alter this assessment.


Related items

Explore related listings: militaria catalogue.

References and further reading

  • The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Hitler Youth and BDM collections)
  • The Imperial War Museums (German youth organisation uniforms)
  • The German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum) collections on NSDAP youth organisations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “BDM/JM Rock II” mean?

“Rock II” refers to the approved regulation skirt pattern worn by members of the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) and the Jungmädel (JM), produced according to Reichsjugendführung specifications.

What is the significance of the manufacturer code D 5/39645?

This is the RZM licence code assigned to an authorised manufacturer. Such codes were used to identify approved producers without always printing the company’s commercial name.

Why are matching groups important?

Groups with sequential inspection numbers provide insight into wartime production batches and are especially valuable as museum reference material.


Product Specifications

AttributeDetails
ItemOriginal RZM BDM/JM Rock II Uniform Labels (Group of Three)
OrganisationBund Deutscher Mädel / Jungmädel
PeriodThird Reich, c. 1935–1945
MaterialScreen-printed woven cotton
ColourBlack with white printing
Manufacturer CodeD 5/39645
Inspection NumbersA Nr. 461963, 461967, 461970
ConditionExcellent unused
AuthenticityOriginal period examples (photographic assessment)

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