A superb original Hitler Youth (HJ) drum ensemble, complete and untouched, offering the drum itself, both original skins, the scarce square-ended HJ drumsticks, the leather drumstick frog, and the brass eagle belt hanger.  Complete sets like this are scarce, as most were separated long ago. The drum retains its period paint, fully intact heads, and the desirable snare spring, making this an excellent example for the HJ collector.

Drum Body:

A solid brass-bodied drum with its original red-and-white painted wooden rims, with no sign of post war overpainting. All side pins and tension brackets remain present and undamaged. Inside the shell is the SONOR triangular maker’s stamp, a known 1930s Solingen manufacturer that produced drums and musical fittings for the Hitler Youth, SA and NSKK.

Head (Skins)

Both top and bottom calfskin heads survive intact – exceptionally rare, as most HJ drums have had one or both skins torn or replaced over the years. These have exactly the right age, tone, and surface wear expected of original pre-war skins. The underside retains the original multi-coil metal snare spring, giving the drum its sharp, cracking parade sound. These spring assemblies are not found on every HJ drum and are desirable when still present.

Tensioning System

This is the rod-tension variant used by the Hitler Youth during the 1930s. The square/hexagonal tension nuts around the drum were designed to be tightened using the special drumsticks included in this set. The sticks slot directly into the lugs, allowing the drummer to adjust the head tension quickly during parades or practice sessions.

Drumsticks:

A matched pair of original Hitler Youth drumsticks, in excellent condition. These are the correct pattern with the square-ended “key” tips, designed specifically to engage the tension lugs on HJ drums. These drumsticks are hard to find, as few survived with the drums.

Brass Eagle Hanger:

Also present is the brass eagle belt hanger, used to support the drum when worn on a marching strap. This eagle is correct for pre-war and early-war Hitler Youth and SA musical equipment.

Overall:

A complete and untouched example, with all major components still together. an excellent set.

Historical Note:

Drums played a central role within the Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend), especially in the Trommlerzge (drum corp) that led parades, rallies, regional Bann gatherings, and ceremonial processions throughout the 1930s. The bright rims, brass shell, and distinctive snare spring produced the sharp rhythmic crack associated with HJ formations.