BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The Kriegsmarine overseas cap was originally introduced on November 10^TH 1938 and was officially designated, Gefechtsmütze (Battle cap). This early pattern overseas cap was restricted for wear on ships by certain specific personnel. On October 7^TH 1939 the cap underwent minor modifications, was re-designated, Bordmütze, (Board cap), and became a regular item for wear by all personnel both on and off ship for the duration of the war. The insignia utilized on the overseas cap consisted of the black, white and red national tri-color cockade and a slightly modified version of the NSDAP’s, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (National Socialist German Worker’s Party), national eagle. Overseas caps for Officers holding the ranks of Leutnant zur See up to and including Grossadmiral were distinguished from EM/NCO’s by the addition of gilt piping around the forward edge of the flaps while administrative officials holding equivalent officers ranks/positions utilized silver piping. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Although enlisted personnel were issued their caps from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored caps although the price may have been restrictive. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early, pre-October 1939, nice quality, deep navy blue wool/rayon blend construction overseas cap features fold down side and back panels with downward, scalloped slopes to the forward side panels. The front center of the cap has a machine woven, national eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a wreathed, canted swastika in its talons in golden yellow rayon threads on a cut-out, navy blue, rayon base. The eagle is neatly handstitched to the cap. The front center of the fold down panels has a machine woven, national tri-color cockade, in black, white and red rayon threads on a woven, navy blue, diamond shaped rayon base. The cockade is also neatly handstitched to the cap. The interior of the cap is fully lined in subtly ribbed, grey rayon. The lining is well marked with a faint, black size inkstamp that appears to be, "58". The cap shows moderate to heavy surface mothing through-out revealing the underlying tan base resulting in a mottled appearance and the interior lining shows moderate age and usage toning.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $358.00