Hammerskins Name and Symbol

The Hammerskins (HSN, Hammerskin Nation) are an international neo-Nazi network.

Founded in the US in 1988, the Hammerskins have a significant presence across Europe. They tend to be secretive about their activities but are organised with chapters, hierarchies and different patches for prospects and full members. 

The group’s name and symbol of crossed hammers was derived from a fictional neo-Nazi organisation depicted in the 1982 film “Pink Floyd - The Wall”. The group has an affiliated support group, Crew 38, for so-called “prospects”. “38” is a code for letters “C” and “H”, standing for “crossed hammers”.

The Hammerskins are involved in activities around the world, particularly in Europe and North America, including organising concerts and combat sports events. The group is banned in Spain, though they still meet and organise with other Hammerskins across Europe; a ban on the Hammerskins in Germany was overturned by a court in 2025.

The Hammerskins have been closely linked with the international Active Club movement. 

Members of the Hammerskins have been convicted of multiple crimes, including assault and mass murder.