BACKGROUND: Originally, members of the fledgling S.A. had no official headgear, and most wore a grey, Austrian-style ski cap until the introduction of the soft kepi in 1924. It was modified in 1929, taking, effectively, its final "coffee can" form. After 1933, the colored tops which had hitherto been reserved for S.A. leaders were extended to all ranks.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A very hard to find pre-1933 "soft" style SA Kepi with functional fold down flaps. These early examples are really quite hard to find in today's market. Tan cotton twill cap with a flat crown, soft sides and stiff short visor. There are two metal ventilation grommets just below the crown edge to either side. A 1927 pattern, silver washed, stamped alloy eagle and swastika, whose wingspan is 1.5", is applied to the colored front by the two prongs. Its original finish is fully retained. Tan cotton twill panels to fold down button up on the front. A silver-colored, pebbled metal button (Assmann marked) is to this seam between the eagle and the chinstrap. The dark brown leather chinstrap is in two sections, connected by a vertical oval "ring" and with a brown-painted metal sliding adjustment buckle to either side. The chinstrap is attached at either end by two, small, smooth brown-painted metal buttons. The kepi’s short, stiff visor is covered in tan cotton twill. The interior crown as side are lined in the typical rust-colored oilcloth. Its light brown leather sweatband has a couple of tears but is in overall nice condition. Very decent example showing only light age toning, a couple of minor moth nips & wear. Nice.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $1,170.00