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 a silver-colored alloy eagle with a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons. The eagle is slightly convex, and its spread wings have a span of 1 13/16". Its finish appears to be almost completely retained, with light wear visible to the swastika and the right facing wing. 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 roundel, with a 1/4" diameter, red felt dot to its center. All of the elements to the cockade have dulled with age. The cockade is enclosed by a silver-colored, embroidered wreath of oak leaves and acorns. The wreath is lightly but noticeably worn along its left facing edge. Fixed by silver-colored, pebbled buttons positioned over each ear is an officer’s pattern silver chin cord. The chin cord is lightly worn at either of its ends. The blackened visor has only light soiling to it. The interior of the cap is fully lined in gold-colored rayon, and features a 2" wide, thin, tan leather sweatband, with perforations in decorative patterns along its front. Unmarked. The lining is only lightly age soiled, although the sweatband has become un-stitched along its forward edge, as well as to a section to its reverse. The wool exterior has typical, light nap wear to it, and equally light age soiling, but is otherwise in excellent condition. Approximately a size 55 (6 3/4 - 6 7/8).

GRADE ****1/4                             PRICE $620.00