Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service used example of a German WWII Luftwaffe Generalsränge (General Ranks) M38 Overseas side cap (Schiffchen), as worn by the ranks Generalmajor (Brigadier General) up to Generalfeldmarschall (General of the Air Force). 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 is constructed of the correct Luftwaffe Fliegerblau (Flyer's Blue) blue gray wool exterior, and features a fine gold-colored Celleon thread embroidered eagle sewn to the front over an embroidered bullion tri-color cockade with a red felt insert. The stitching does not go into the interior, so the eagle is original, sewn only to the exterior fabric layer. It has gold Celleon faux bullion piping around the circumference of the flap, indicating issue for a General rank. It features a lovely burgundy rayon twill lining that shows little to no use. There is also a leather forehead sweat protector, which is still soft and pliable. There are no maker markings or stamps visible on the inside, so production date and maker are unknown, and pressed flat it measures about 28cm long. Condition of the cap is excellent, and would be very hard to improve upon.

A fantastic example of a Luftwaffe General Ranks Overseas cap, the first that we have ever had! Ready to add to your collection and display!

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.

The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.