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N038159 ORTSGRUPPE LEVEL, NSDAP POLITICAL LEADER'S VISOR CAP. (Dienstmütze)
BACKGROUND: Uniform regulations for Nazi political leaders were addressed as early as 1920, with the standard headgear at that time being a Kepi-style cap. These regulations underwent numerous modifications, and in January of 1934 a visor cap, based on the army style, was introduced for wear. This 1934 visor cap was also modified until a final pattern was introduced in July of 1939. The NSDAP was structured in four ascending levels of government, consisting of the "Ortsgruppenleitung," the "Kreisleitung," the "Gauleitung," and the "Reichsleitung," with each group being distinguished by a specific color of piping on the collar tabs and visor cap.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 1939 pattern, tan-colored, whipcord-weave, wool/rayon construction visor cap. The cap features a one-piece circular crown, piped in blue, a body with seams to each of its cardinal points, a one-piece, light brown velvet center band, also piped in blue along its upper and lower edges and whose vertical seam is to the reverse, and a chocolate brown vulcanfiber visor. The blue piping, as well as the center band color, is indicative of the political "Ortsgruppe" (Local-group) level. The interior crown wire and front vertical stiffeners are intact, giving the cap a nice "saddle form" shape with a high central peak. Fixed over the forward seam line of the body is a slightly convex, 1939 pattern, gilt-colored, stamped alloy eagle, 1 1/4" in overall height and with a wing span of 2 1/2", which clutches a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons. Beneath it, affixed to the front and following the contours of the center band, is a 1939 pattern, gold anodized, stamped alloy oak-leaf wreath, encompassing a three-piece cockade. The wreath is comprised of eight oak leaves, each pebbled to resemble embroidery, four to either side of a simulated binding "cord" with four raised "beads" arranged vertically to its center. Alloy wreaths were worn by those holding the rank of "Hauptgemeinschaftsleiter" (roughly equivalent to a Second Lieutenant) and below. The cockade is comprised of a 7/8" diameter alloy back plate, edged with a silver finish and faced with red enameled fluting, upon which is mounted a 1/8" tall, 5/8" diameter, silver and white frosted alloy roundel comprised of a double cord surround to a cut-out, black enameled swastika. Between the center band and the visor is a golden yellow, twisted gilt wire chin strap, attached over each ear by gilt washed, pebbled metal buttons. The cord and button color establish the wearer as having been an "Ortsgruppenleiter" (as lower levels had silver chin cords and buttons). The chocolate brown vulcanfibre visor has a protective lacquered finish to its upper surface. Visor is starting to pull loose on the left side but is still held in place. To the interior of the cap is a light brown colored leather sweatband and a lighter gold-colored rayon lining. There is one small missing section to the front of the sweatband, but it is otherwise complete and intact. Under the sweatband over the right ear is a 2 1/8" x 1", brown and white oilcloth RZM, "Reichszeugmeisterei" (National-materiel-control-office), tag. Original celluloid shield is complete as is the original sizing tag which is inkstamped "57". There is also an NSDAP property stamp on the liner. Shows some age, use and a few minor stains, but overall a decent untouched original example.
GRADE ***½ PRICE $1,075.00
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