~ WW2 Very Rare Kriegsmarine NCO Hat Circa 1935 ~
The blue wool top originally had a small circular metal band along the upper inner edge which acted as a stiffener to the hat. These bands were often removed to give the visor a “softer” or more relaxed appearance, as this example bears.
Also noteworthy is the stamped gilt metal wreath and rosette, both of the army pattern, which were introduced on March 15, 1935. The metal wreath was worn for some duration, but often changed out. The fact that this visor retains its original metal wreath and rosette makes this an extremely desirable visor cap. Most visors encountered bear hand embroided wreaths which were of gold or silver bullion, or of a golden yellow Celleon, or aluminum as a substitute material, and were frequently worn during the war, especially by senior NCO’s.
The hat has a leather visor, chequered underside and black lacquered leather trim, double stitched along its outer edge. The black patent leather chinstrap served as a retaining strap to be placed below the chin when required. It is affixed by two anchor buttons on both sides of the visor. The underside of the visor is marked with a “swastika sign” and “Reichskriegerbund ” insignia.
The visor interior top appears to be of silk construction, in which the celluloid tapezoid is missing.
~ Dimensions ~
The hat measures 8 ¾ inches (22 cm) front to back and has a height of 3 ¼ inches (8cm).
The hat weighs 175g.
~ Condition ~
There are light scratches on the visor but fittings of the hat have aged nicely.
The gilt metal emblems show some deterioration but everything is in good order.
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