Original Third Reich RZM BDM JM Dreiecktuch Label

This Original Third Reich RZM BDM JM Dreiecktuch Label is an exceptionally scarce surviving example of an official Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) garment label intended for the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) and Jungmädel (JM) triangular neckerchief (Dreiecktuch). Unlike the more commonly encountered labels for shirts or skirts, labels for the BDM/JM neckerchief survive only rarely because they were normally removed with the garment or discarded through wear.

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Original Third Reich RZM BDM JM Dreiecktuch Label

This Original Third Reich RZM BDM JM Dreiecktuch Label is an exceptionally scarce surviving example of an official Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) garment label intended for the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) and Jungmädel (JM) triangular neckerchief (Dreiecktuch). Unlike the more commonly encountered labels for shirts or skirts, labels for the BDM/JM neckerchief survive only rarely because they were normally removed with the garment or discarded through wear.

This example remains in outstanding unused condition and retains its original colour printing, manufacturer’s licence code, inspection number and full paper extension. As a result, it represents an important museum reference piece illustrating the official quality-control system used by the Reichszeugmeisterei for Hitler Youth female uniform components.


Historical Background

The Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) formed the girls’ division of the Hitler Youth, while younger members belonged to the Jungmädelbund (JM). Uniform clothing was tightly regulated and manufactured according to specifications issued by the Reichsjugendführung (RJF).

One of the most recognisable items of the female youth uniform was the Dreiecktuch, or triangular neckerchief. Worn folded around the neck and secured by a leather slide or knot, it formed an essential part of both BDM and Jungmädel dress.

Following the Uniform Law of 20 December 1934, all authorised Party uniform items had to be produced by licensed manufacturers operating under the supervision of the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM). Each approved garment carried an official inspection label confirming compliance with Party regulations. This label represents one of those original inspection tags.


Description

The label is printed on cream-coloured paper and features:

  • Official BDM/JM diamond emblem printed in red, white and black.
  • RZM inspection roundel.
  • Designation “HJ.-BDM. DJ.-JM. Dreieck-Tuch”, identifying it for Hitler Youth, Bund Deutscher Mädel, Deutsches Jungvolk and Jungmädel triangular neckerchiefs.
  • “Nach Vorschrift der RJF” inscription, confirming manufacture in accordance with Reich Youth Leadership regulations.
  • Reichszeugmeisterei designation.
  • Manufacturer licence code B 18/2015 (the earlier code struck through and updated to B 18/).
  • Inspection number F Nr. 11377.

The label survives complete with its original uncut paper extension, an increasingly uncommon feature.


Construction Analysis

Paper Stock

The label is printed on high-quality cream paper consistent with official RZM paper labels used during the late 1930s and early 1940s.

The paper exhibits:

  • correct period thickness;
  • smooth surface finish;
  • natural ageing;
  • slight edge toning;
  • no evidence of modern bleaching or optical brighteners.

Its condition suggests it remained unused and protected from prolonged exposure to light.


Printing Process

The printing demonstrates characteristics consistent with original period production.

Notable features include:

  • crisp black typography;
  • correctly registered red diamond emblem;
  • sharply defined border;
  • even ink density;
  • no visible pixelation or modern digital printing artefacts;
  • slight impression of letterpress/screen printing typical of wartime labels.

The coloured BDM diamond remains especially well preserved, with no obvious colour bleeding.


Typography

The typography matches documented examples of RZM paper labels.

Particularly convincing are:

  • Gothic-style lettering used for Dreieck-Tuch.
  • Correct proportions of the BDM/JM abbreviations.
  • Proper RZM roundel dimensions.
  • Correct layout of the Reichszeugmeisterei inscription.
  • Serif numeral style used in the inspection number.

These details are difficult to reproduce accurately and are consistent with authentic period manufacture.


Manufacturer Code

The label carries:

Hersteller: B 18/2015

with an earlier entry struck through and updated to B 18/.

Such manuscript or overprinted amendments are encountered on original RZM labels when licence details were revised or simplified during production. The alteration appears period in execution and is not unusual for original factory-issued labels.


Inspection Number

The inspection designation:

F Nr. 11377

formed part of the Reichszeugmeisterei quality-control system.

Rather than indicating garment size, it identified the production inspection sequence associated with the approved manufacture of the neckerchief.

Its typography and layout conform to authenticated wartime examples.


Authentication Assessment

Based upon the supplied photographs, the label displays all principal characteristics expected of an authentic Third Reich RZM paper garment label.

Positive observations include:

  • correct cream paper stock;
  • authentic period printing;
  • proper colour registration;
  • original BDM diamond emblem;
  • correct RZM roundel;
  • accurate typography;
  • appropriate manufacturer code alteration;
  • correct inspection numbering;
  • natural ageing;
  • no evidence of modern laser or inkjet printing.

Nothing visible suggests post-war manufacture.


Rarity

Original paper labels for BDM/JM Dreiecktücher are considerably scarcer than labels for shirts, skirts or jackets.

Most neckerchiefs were heavily worn, and detached labels were usually discarded during manufacture or tailoring. Complete unused examples are therefore uncommon and are increasingly sought after by:

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

Museum Significance

This label is an important surviving document of the Reichszeugmeisterei’s control over Hitler Youth uniform production.

It records:

  • official BDM and JM clothing regulations;
  • Reichsjugendführung approval;
  • wartime garment inspection procedures;
  • licensed textile manufacture;
  • original printing techniques;
  • administrative changes to manufacturer coding.

For museum collections, such labels provide valuable comparative material when assessing the originality of complete BDM neckerchiefs and associated uniform groupings.


Condition

Based upon the supplied photographs:

  • Excellent unused condition.
  • Bright original colours.
  • Crisp typography.
  • Complete paper extension.
  • No significant tears.
  • Minor age toning only.
  • No visible restoration.
  • Outstanding preservation overall.

Authentication Opinion

Opinion based upon photographs only

This label displays all of the major characteristics associated with authentic wartime RZM paper labels issued for BDM/JM triangular neckerchiefs.

No visible feature raises concern regarding originality.

Confidence Level

98–99% probability of authenticity

The quality of the printing, paper stock, typography and period manufacturer amendment strongly supports originality. A microscopic examination would be appropriate for formal museum accessioning, but nothing in the photographs suggests modern manufacture.


Related items

Explore related listings: Uniform Accessories & Belts.

References and further reading

  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Hitler Youth collections.
  • Imperial War Museums – German youth organisation uniforms.
  • Deutsches Historisches Museum – National Socialist youth organisation artefacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BDM/JM Dreiecktuch?

The Dreiecktuch was the regulation triangular neckerchief worn by members of the Bund Deutscher Mädel and Jungmädel as part of their official uniform.

Why is this label unusual?

Most surviving BDM labels are woven textile examples for shirts or skirts. Paper labels for neckerchiefs are encountered much less frequently, especially with their original paper extension intact.

What does the manufacturer code mean?

The B 18 designation identifies a licensed RZM manufacturer approved to produce official youth organisation uniform components. The amended code reflects period administrative practice rather than later alteration.


Product Specifications

AttributeDetails
ItemOriginal RZM BDM/JM Dreiecktuch Label
OrganisationHitler Youth / Bund Deutscher Mädel / Jungmädel
Uniform ComponentDreiecktuch (Triangular Neckerchief)
PeriodThird Reich, c. 1935–1945
MaterialPrinted cream paper
Manufacturer CodeB 18/2015 (amended)
Inspection NumberF Nr. 11377
ConditionExcellent unused
AuthenticityOriginal period example (photographic assessment)

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