BACKGROUND: Forestry and hunting in Germany enjoys a long history and traditions that continue to the present day. In July of 1933, Hermann Göring was appointed as "Reichsforst und Jägermeister" (National-forestry and Hunting-master), as head of the "Reichsforstamt" (National-forestry-department). In that capacity he was in charge of administering all aspects of forestry and hunting, including the development, maintenance and conservation of all of the forests and wild game within Germany. The "Reichsforstamt" was sub-divided into four main departments: the "Gemeinde Forst Dienst" (General Forestry Service), "Privat Forst Dienst" (Private Forestry Service), "Heeres Forst Dienst" (Army Forestry Service), and the "Luftwaffe Forst Dienst" (Air-force Forestry Service). Personnel in all four services were assigned a uniform.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A grey-green wool visor cap, whose one-piece circular crown is piped in dark green, and whose body has seams to each of its cardinal points, with a one-piece, dark green center band, whose vertical seam is to the reverse, and a blackened vulcanfiber visor. Fixed to the forward seam line of the body is an alloy eagle with a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons. The eagle is slightly convex, and its spread wings have a span of 2 1/8". Its finish has worn to its silver-colored, base alloy. Beneath this, fixed to the front of the center band, is a three-piece cockade comprised of a 7/8" diameter, black fluted base, upon which is a 5/8" diameter, silver-colored roundel, with a 1/4" diameter, red felt dot to its center. The cockade is enclosed by a silver-colored alloy wreath of oak leaves and acorns. Both the cockade and wreath have retained all of their original finish. The military-style eagle and oak leaf wreath surround most likely indicates that this is an Army Forestry Service visor cap. Fixed by silver-colored, pebbled alloy buttons positioned over each ear is an officer’s pattern silver chin cord. Although the buttons are still relatively bright, the chin cord has dulled with age, and exhibits light wear. The blackened visor has light but noticeable cracking to it, and its leading edge has several chips to it. Its underside is in green. The interior of the cap is fully lined in green rayon, and features a 1 5/8" wide, thin, tan leather sweatband. Stamped, in gold, beneath the celluloid sweat diamond sewn to the interior crown is a profiled lion, beneath which is "Pelzwaren" (Furs), "Hüte" (Hats), and "Mützen" (Caps), all encircled by a 1 7/8" diameter ring within which is the manufacturer’s name, "Fritz Schulze," and location, "Miltenberg." Both the lining and sweatband are in excellent, very lightly used condition. The wool exterior has typical, light nap wear to it, and equally light age soiling, but only one, very small moth nip to the crown, and a patch of wear along the reverse base of the center band. Approximately a size 57 (7 - 7 1/8).

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $620.00