Item:
ONSV22WOS163

Original German WWII Heer Army Officer Wool M38 Overseas Cap with Dragoon Traditions Badge - Size 55

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very good condition example of a German WWII Heer Army Officer's M38 overseas cap (Schiffchen). The overseas cap, nicknamed in German military slang as Schiffchen, or literally "little ship" as it resembled an up-turned row-boat, was standard issue for all branches of the Heer.

This example is constructed of a a field gray (feldgrau) wool exterior, with a gray rayon lining marked with size 55. It features a fine machine embroidered eagle, with silver thread on a green base, the standard Heer colors. The "scallop" on the front has silver piping on top, which is also around the cap crown, indicating officer issue. The front center of the cap has a metal National Tri-Color Cockade with a red felt insert, correct for officer issue. There is no colored soutache, so this cap is most likely for an Infantry unit.

Between the two badges is a brass Dragoon "Traditions" badge, which has definitely been attached to the cap for quite some time. First introduced in 1842, these were used by select units of the Prussian and later Imperial German army on field caps to indicate that the unit belonged to a specialized unit, such as a Hussar, Pioneer, or Dragoon regiment. The use of these was ended in 1918, but brought back during the Pre-WWII period by NSDAP Germany. The design of this badge is identical to the Imperial German Dragoon Wappen (Front plate) for the helmet, so it means that this officer was a member of a regiment that was traditionally a dragoon unit.

Condition of this cap is very good, with no moth damage that we can see on the exterior, though the color is a bit faded, which can be seen by looking under the side flaps. The interior shows sweat and oil staining from service, and the finish is a bit worn on the leather forehead sweatband. The bullion piping is in great shape, with no deterioration.

A very nice example, with a rare Dragoon "Traditions" Badge, ready to display!

  • This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
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