Germany, HJ. A JM/BDM Kletterweste, Südost Niederdonau Region

(Bund Deutscher Mädel Kletterweste). An extremely well-preserved Jungmädelbund (JM)/Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) Kletterweste, constructed of olive-drab velveton. It features a turned-down collar which is adorned on the right with a silvered and gilded edelweiss measuring 30 mm (w) x 40 mm (l). An integral strap emanates from the cuff of each sleeve and fastens closed with a single brown bakelite button bearing the raised insignia of the myriad of German youth organizations. Stitched onto the left sleeve is a cotton/rayon blended cloth HJ insignia measuring 50 mm (w) x 95 mm (h). Situated above the insignia is a JM/BDM district patch, constructed of a black rayon base and bearing a machine-embroidered inscription of “SÜDOST NIEDERDONAU” (“SOUTHEAST LOWER DANUBE”), measuring 90 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Four pockets are set into the breasts, all closing with horizontal flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes meeting buttons of identical construction to those located on the cuffs. It closes with six bakelite buttons on the left flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the right. A white cotton/rayon blended cloth liner fully encompasses the interior, and has a single pocket located at the lower right breast. The lower left retains the remnants of an HJ-issue Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) label, with wear and washing rendering the inscription illegible, while a handwritten initial “J” is visible on the collar. Otherwise unmarked, the Kletterweste measures approximately 38 cm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 38 cm, and an overall body length of 50 cm. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, this superb and unit-attributed example remains in an extremely fine condition.