*German, WW2, Original Waffen-SS M42 Camouflage Cap, in Plane Tree, with Totenkopf (Death Head Button)*
The cap is a typical early example without air vents made in hand screened 5/6 “Platanenmuster” plane tree in Autumn colours camouflage pattern. It is unlined. It is missing the visor. On the front of the cap is a “Totenkopf” button typically displayed on the front of the Waffen-SS overseas cap. Feld-grau relief skull and cross bones on a pebbled background, measures approximately 2cm. The reverse marked “RZM”, “SS”. Size is small
Late in 1942, the Germans introduced a new field cap. The “M42” designation is a creation of militaria collectors, not the German military. The caps were made from the same camouflage and fabric as their smocks and helmet covers, and were reversible from Autumn to Spring colours. As M42 caps were reversible and tended to have the fall colours on one side and spring colours on the other – it appears that this is one side of the reversible” field cap.
The Totenkopf (skull, literally death’s head) as a cap insignia originated in the 18th century Prussian military, being worn by elite Hussar regiments. It was seen as a symbol of death defiance in the line of duty. From 1925 until 1935, the SS cap was distinguished from the SA cap by the addition of a jawless metal skull insignia. In 1935, a new SS death’s head insignia was introduced for wear. For the first few months after its introduction, the skull was worn alongside the first pattern eagle insignia, or with an Army pattern eagle. The distinctive SS style eagle was not introduced until 1936. A metal button embossed with a death’s head was worn on the front of the Old Style Field Cap, introduced in 1937. Initially, the button was made of white metal, but later it was often painted matte field-grey or green.
*Condition*
Good used condition. There are signs of wear and tear as you’d expect, a few holes (photographed) and the brim and lining is missing. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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