BACKGROUND: Uniform and headgear regulations for Nazi political leaders were addressed as early as 1920, with the standard headgear at that time being a Kepi-style cap. The political uniform and headgear regulations subsequently underwent numerous modifications, and in January of 1934 a visor cap, based on the army style, was introduced for wear. This 1934 visor cap also underwent modifications until a final pattern was introduced in July of 1939. The NSDAP was structured in four ascending levels of government, consisting of the "Ortsgruppe," 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 white, a body with seams to each of its cardinal points, a one-piece brown velvet center band, also piped in white along its upper and lower edges and whose vertical seam is to the reverse, and a chocolate brown vulcanfiber visor. The white piping indicates the political "Kreisleitung" (District-leader) level after 1938 (black piping having been used previously). The interior crown wire and front vertical stiffeners are intact, giving the cap a "saddle form" shape with a high central peak. Fixed to the forward seam line of the body is a slightly convex, 1939 pattern, gilt-colored, stamped alloy eagle, with a wing span of 2 1/2", which clutches a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, and has an overall height of 1 1/4". Its finish appears to be fully retained. Beneath it, affixed to the front and following the contours of the centerband, is a 1939 pattern, gold anodized, stamped alloy oak-leaf wreath, encompassing a three-piece cockade. The wreath is comprised of four oak leaves, each pebbled to resemble embroidery, 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" and below. The cockade is comprised of a 7/8" diameter back plate, edged with a silver finish and faced with red enamel fluting, upon which is mounted a 1/8" tall, 5/8" diameter, silver-aluminum roundel with a double cord surround to a cut-out, black enamel swastika. The wreath appears to retain all of its finish, although there a small brown stain that may clean up. Between the centerband and the visor is a golden yellow, twisted celleon cord chin strap, attached over each ear by gilt washed, pebbled metal buttons. The chocolate brown, vulcanfibre visor has a protective lacquered finish. To the interior of the cap is a tan-colored alkor sweatband, with ventilation perforations to its forward section, and a copper-colored rayon lining. The sweatband has about a 4" section missing from the front and has numerous other tears which is typical with these. Sewn 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. Celluloid sweat diamond to the interior crown is mostly complete. The exterior wool crown, body, and the velvet centerband are all in excellent condition.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $1,428.00