*German, WW2, Heer (Army) Officer’s Peaked Visor Cap (‘Crusher’ Style) by Erel, Berlin – Offizier Kleiderkasse “Sonderklasse Extra”*
An excellent original example of a German Army (Heer) officer’s peaked service cap (Schirmmütze), manufactured by Erel (Robert Lubstein) and marked “Offizier Kleiderkasse – Sonderklasse Extra.” This was a top-grade private-purchase model supplied through the official Army officers’ clothing exchange in Berlin.
Tailored in fine field-grey tricot wool with light tan piping denoting Army service. The cap retains an elegant profile with a lightly relaxed crown, giving the sought-after “crusher” appearance while maintaining its structural integrity. The black lacquered fibre visor remains in excellent condition with only light age wear.
The front carries a finely struck Wehrmacht eagle in tombac, hollow-backed and hand-affixed through the crown, retaining its original silver finish with attractive toning. Below sits the embroidered bullion wreath and national cockade on dark green backing, both period-stitched and undisturbed. The silver bullion chin cord is secured by pebbled aluminium side buttons, typical of officer issue.
Interior:
Fully lined in pale grey artificial silk, with the clear celluloid sweat shield printed: “Offizier Kleiderkasse Berlin / Erel Sonderklasse Extra.” The tan leather sweatband is impressed “Erel Patent Stirnschutz,” referring to Erel’s patented forehead protection feature designed to improve comfort and prevent significant perspiration staining. The crown retains its shape without evidence of a metal wire stiffener, suggesting the softer, semi-flexible form characteristic of Erel’s private-purchase officer models. This gives the cap its comfortable, field-worn “crusher” look.
Measurements: Approx. Outside 26 cm front to back × 24 cm side to side. Inside 19 cm diameter.
Markings:
– “Offizier Kleiderkasse Berlin / Erel Sonderklasse Extra” (celluloid diamond)
– “Erel Patent Stirnschutz” (sweatband stamp)
Historical Note:
The Erel (Robert Lubstein) firm was among Germany’s foremost military cap manufacturers, producing for all Wehrmacht branches. The Sonderklasse Extra represented one of its highest private-purchase grades, combining fine materials and refined tailoring. These caps were worn both on parade and in the field, and early examples with tombac eagles are particularly desirable. The term “crusher” is often applied to officer caps like this which display a relaxed, non-rigid profile — reflecting the soft, comfortable wear favoured by front-line officers — though strictly speaking, only those with fully soft visors fall into that category.
*Condition*
Exceptionally well preserved. The wool body is clean, even in tone, and free from moth damage. The visor shows light, honest wear; interior remains clean with fully legible Erel markings. The interior shows light use and some age-related soiling to the lining, consistent with service wear, yet remains in overall excellent condition. All insignia are original to the cap, unaltered and firmly attached. A fine, undisturbed example displaying excellent colour, finish, and patina. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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