Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Luftwaffe EM/NCO M38 Schiffchen overseas cap in the correct Fliegerblau blue gray wool, marked size 53cm. 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 the Luftwaffe for most occasions. The cap retains its original embroidered Luftwaffe eagle and tricolor cockade on the front and remains in excellent overall condition with strong color and no visible moth damage.

The insignia are sewn only through the outer layer of the cap fabric rather than through the lining, consistent with installation during manufacture. The embroidered eagle and cockade remain well preserved and retain good definition and color.

The interior is lined in blue gray brushed cotton and shows light staining around the lower edge from use. No maker markings are visible, but a clear:

53

size stamp is present on the left side of the lining.

Overall condition is excellent, with the exterior and interior colors very well retained. There is no obvious mothing, tearing, seam failure, or other significant damage, only light interior staining consistent with period wear.

With its correct Fliegerblau wool construction, factory applied embroidered eagle and tricolor cockade, clear 53cm size marking, and excellent preservation, this is a strong example of a Luftwaffe EM/NCO M38 Schiffchen. It would display especially well in a Luftwaffe headgear, EM/NCO uniform, M38 overseas cap, or advanced German WWII cloth headgear collection.

Side Cap
A side cap is a military cap that can be folded flat when not being worn. It is also known as a garrison cap or flight cap in the United States, wedge cap in Canada, or field service cap in the United Kingdom. In form the side cap is comparable to the glengarry, a folding version of the Scottish military bonnet. It has been associated with various military forces since the middle of the 19th century, as well as various civilian organizations.