N01651 NSKK EM/NCO'S WINTER SKI CAP. (Skimütze) BACKGROUND: The development of the NSKK, National Sozialistisches Kraftfahr Korps, (National Socialist Motor Corps), can be traced back to 1923 when the SA introduced a Kraftfahr Abteilung, (Motor Section), to transport personnel as required. In 1928 the SA Motor section was expanded to Kraftfahrstaffeln, (Motor Squadrons). In an attempt to create a national motor corps the NSAK, National Sozialistisches Automobil Korps, (National Socialist Automobile Corps), was formed in April 1930 as a NSDAP auxiliary organization subordinate to the SA. In early 1931 Adolf Hühnlein was appointed as Chief of the NSAK and proposed a name change to NSKK, which was officially accepted in April 1931. The NSKK was a uniformed organization and regulations dictated at least eight different forms of dress depending on the particular function or duties being performed. One of these forms of dress was the Skianzug, (Ski Uniform), which included the ski cap which was in a similar design as the Mountain and M43 caps. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Slightly mottled, brownish/olive green wool/rayon blend construction cap features fold down back and side panels with a scalloped front edge and forward sides. Interestingly the front center of the fold down panels are handstitched together and are covered with a small vertical strip of brownish/olive fabric instead of the standard button retainer. The back and side panels were designed to be folded down to protect the wearers ears and neck and the scalloped front section could be utilized as a chin strap. The top crown edge of the cap is piped in cornflower blue wool which would indicate the M-Gruppe Wartheland. The bottom half of the cap body is constructed in black wool which is mostly hidden when the side and back panels are in the upright position and interestingly is the opposite of the standard NSKK kepi. The front center of the cap has a second pattern NSKK eagle as introduced in April 1939 and worn until 1945. The machine woven eagle features out-stretched wings and a canted wreathed swastika in its talons positioned beneath a scripted banner, "NSKK", in bright silver/aluminum flat wire threads on a cut-out mottled brownish/olive wool base. The eagle is neatly handstitched to the cap. The cap has an extended, cloth covered, forward visor with an internal stiffener with a raised lip to the bottom of the forward edge. The interior of the cap is fully lined in ribbed, mid-brown cotton twill with a repeating quilted diamond pattern and an internal padding. The lining shows light to moderate age and usage toning. The cap is in overall good condition with light age and usage toning some minor nap wear and the internal visor stiffener has a few creases. The cap is roughly size 53. Scarce NSKK ski cap.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $ SOLD