BACKGROUND: Prior to the war the RLM, Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Aviation Ministry), had a sub-section originally designated Luftzeugamt, (Aviation Ordnance/Supply Office), that was responsible for all technical aspects and supply of the Luftwaffe. In June 1936 Hermann Göring appointed Ernst Udet as Director of the Technical Department of the National Aviation Ministry and in February 1939 Udet was elevated to the position of Generalluftzeugmeister und Amtschef des Lufttechnisches im RLM, (General Aviation Ordnance/Supply Master and Department Chief of Technical Aviation in the National Aviation Ministry). Although uniformed, personnel serving with the Generalluftzeugamt were classed as civilians. Regulations of May 27^TH 1941 introduced distinctive insignia including specific breast and cap insignia. Additional uniform regulations for Generalluftzeugamt personnel remain unfound but photographic evidence indicates that personnel wore the standard Luftwaffe style overseas caps with assorted insignia. Of Note: A photographic example of this type of cap and insignia can be seen in J. R. Angolia and A. Schlicht’s book, Uniforms & Traditions of the Luftwaffe, Volume 2, page 145.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Luftwaffe blue/grey, wool/rayon blend construction cap features fold down side and back panels with gently sloping, downward scallops to the front and forward sides. The front center of the cap has a golden yellow rayon, inverted "V", soutache handstitched in place and inserted through two, small, puncture holes near the bottom edge of the cap, beneath the front fold down panel. The actual significance of the soutache is unknown. The front center of the fold down panels has a machine embroidered, padded, national tri-color cockade in black, white and red rayon threads. The cockade is also handstitched to the cap. The interior of the cap is fully lined in ribbed, charcoal grey, cotton twill. The lining is well marked with the white inkstamped size, "55, and the manufacturer’s name, location and date within a rectangular border, "Berolina Berlin 1941". Of Note: In 1938 a supplement to the Nuremberg Laws of 1935 was enacted that prohibited non-Aryans from owning a business which resulted in the dissolution of the L. Thorner Mützenfabrik firm of Berlin which was acquired as a subsidy by the G. A. Hoffmann & Co. Mützenfabrik of Berlin and renamed, Berolina Mützenfabrik G. A. Hoffmann & Co.. The cap is in overall good condition with light to moderate age and usage toning and some small spots of nap wear.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $358.00