SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTION
SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTION
S007965 SS-VT EM/NCO'S M34 OVERSEAS CAP. (Feldmütze alter Art)
BACKGROUND: In March 1933 Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler began the formation of the first SS-Wachverbände, (SS-Guard Formations), as a component of the Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS). The SS-Wachverbände drew its personnel from the Allgemeine-SS and were tasked with the guarding of the concentration camps in Greater Germany with the first unit being assigned to Dachau on its formation. By March 1935 there were five battalion strength SS-Wachverbände units with each unit being assigned to a specific concentration camp. On March 29TH 1936 the SS-Wachverbände units were given independent status from the Allgemeine-SS and were renamed, SS-TV, SS-Totenkopfverbände, (Death’s Head Formations). In 1939 the SS-Totenkopfverbände personnel were assigned as the nucleus of the newly forming Waffen-SS-Totenkopf-Division and as a result new Totenkopf-Wachsturmbann, (Death’s Head-Guard Battalion), units were formed and assigned to guard the concentration camps. Later in the war as manpower shortages in the Waffen-SS became more severe many of the younger, physically fit, Totenkopf-Wachsturmbanne personnel were transferred into assorted Waffen-SS units and had to be replaced by older personnel. Originally SS-Totenkopfverbände personnel wore the same black service uniform as the Allgemeine-SS and SS-VT, SS-Verfugüngstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops) personnel until a distinctive earth-brown uniform was introduced in March 1936 exclusively for wear while on active duty within the concentration camps. These earth-brown uniforms, including an overseas cap, were not to be worn in public and were eventually replaced with a field-grey uniform in early 1940.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First pattern "schiffchenform", (boat form), EM/NCO’s overseas cap originally introduced in 1934, and issued for wear until October 1940 when the second pattern overseas cap was introduced. Field-grey wool construction cap with fold down side and back panels with downward scallops to front and forward sides. Front center of scalloped fold down panels has a die stamped nickel/silver plated magnetic, pebbled finish, ornamental button with high relief, embossed Totenkopf. Totenkopf’s eye depression are the correct smooth finished type. Button is held in place by a split "S" ring to reverse of the fold down panel. The reverse is well marked with impressed SS runes, the RZM logo within dual circular border lines and the manufacturers numerical code, "63", with out the "M" numeral prefix. Eagle has been removed. The lining has a white oilcloth label with black printed script. The script to the label includes the RZM logo and SS runes and the designation, "SS Feldmütze", (SS Field Cap). Additional script to the label includes, "Unbefugter Besitz parteiamtlicher Kleidungsstücke wird laut Verordnung des Reichspräsidenten vom 21. 3. 1933 mit Gefängnis bis zu 2 Jahren bestraft.", (Unauthorized possession of party officials articles of clothing as per regulation of the National presidency of March 21ST 1933 is punishable with up to two years imprisonment). Cap is fully lined in ribbed greyish/tan cotton twill. Lining shows numerous small rips and tears. Exterior of cap shows consistently even, heavy nap wear to all exposed areas. Heavily worn, dirty and sweat stained. Cap is roughly size 60. Rare original.
GRADE **3/4 PRICE $1,429.00
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