BACKGROUND: The DRKB, "Deutscher Reichskriegerbund" (German National-veterans’-league), was formed during WWI, and was based on the DKB, "Deutscher Kriegerbund," originally formed after the Franco-Prussian war in the 1870s. By 1936 it had incorporated most of the varied veterans’ associations into it, and was itself re-named the NS-RKB, "Nationalsozialistische - Reichskriegerbund," in 1938. Uniform and headgear regulations were introduced prior to 1933, were modified in 1936, and again in 1938.  

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 1936 pattern, deep navy blue wool construction visor cap. The cap features a one-piece circular crown, whose internal stiffening wire is still intact, a body with seams to each of its cardinal points, a one-piece center band whose vertical seam is to the reverse, and a blackened leather visor. Fixed to the forward seam line of the body is a 1938 pattern, stamped aluminum, spread-winged eagle with a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, and crossed swords behind an Iron Cross to its breast. The Iron Cross is detailed in black enamel. Beneath this, fixed to the front of the center band, is a stamped aluminum, open-topped wreath of oak leaves, bound at its base and encompassing a cockade. The three-piece cockade consists of a 7/8" diameter, black fluted base, upon which is a 5/8" diameter aluminum roundel with a 1/4" diameter, red felt dot to its center. This army-style wreath and cockade was introduced at the same time as the aforementioned eagle. The black rayon center band features alternating, machine embroidered shields, with "Kyffhäuser" (a monument to a united Germany located in Saxony) monuments within them, and mobile swastikas. Fixed by the black-painted, convex alloy buttons positioned over each ear is a 1/2" wide, blackened leather chin strap, with two black-painted metal adjusting buckles along its length. The leather visor has blackened canvas reinforcing stitched along its edge. The interior of the cap is fully lined in mid-blue ribbed rayon, and features a 1 5/8" wide, tan leather sweatband. A clear, celluloid sweat diamond is sewn to the interior crown, underneath of which is stamped, in gold an image of the Kyffhäuser monument. To the reverse of the sweatband can be found the original DRKB oilcloth tag. The cap is in overall decent condition with most of its original nap. The cap shows minimal age and usage toning and a few small moth nips. Approximately a size 58.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $279.00