Jo- the above quote is the part that I am either mis understanding, or dis agreeing with. Youth buckles which have the RZM protection mark and a number only. These numbers (codes) were given out before the M*/ code systems existed, and it is my understanding that at this point the RZM had not designated codes for the purpose to manufacture a specific item but as a license for the maker to produce party items in general;
Hi Chad
I dont know where you are getting your information from,
but it is just plain wrong!
M/ codes were not "given out". The RZM changed the prefixing system for items from the middle of March 1935 onwards. Before this, the prefix for buckles was KH, the prefix for Uniform effects was UE, the prefix for small badges was MA.. and so on.... The M1/ or M2/,M3/mM4/ etc.. prefixing system was not a new system at all, it was merely a new prefix, that is all. Each item had it`s own prefix from the very first day the RZM issued licenses. A few exceptions are of course the code M9/ which came later, but apart from a few minor ones, each item always had it`s own code dating back from late 1933.
Even when there were no codes, the contracted makers for the RZM were told how to mark their items, either with the full name and ges.gesch..or or....
As far as "given out" goes, no codes were just given out. In March 1935 the RZM
I N F O R M E D makers and sellers about the new prefix codes, thats all. Each maker/seller would need to have reapplied for, or extended his license and depending on when he did that, the new prefix would either be on it, or not. If a maker renewed his KH license in January 1935, he would have have a a number with the prefix KHxxx, if the same maker only renewed his KH license in June 1935, he would have received a new license with the same KH number, yet M4/ prefix instead of KH.
BUT, makers were only informed of this, and told that from now on their goods need to be marked with the new prefixes, thats all. How long it took to implement this system is a question that you can only answer by going down the long road of research.
Once more, Metallabzeichen codes, whether the old code Nr. or MA/ or M1/ have
absolutely nothing, to do with buckles. Under the RZM, NO MAKER HAD THE LICENSE TO PRODUCE PARTY ITEMS IN GENERAL, NOBODY! period, full stop. There was no 1 license for general goods, each item needed a separate license, regardless of the maker.