Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service used example of a German WWII Luftwaffe M38 Overseas side cap (Schiffchen), as worn by Officers. 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 embroidered eagle sewn to the front over an embroidered tri-color cockade. The stitching does not go into the interior, so the eagle looks to be original, sewn only to the exterior fabric layer. It has aluminum silver bullion piping around the circumference of the flap, indicating officer issue. It features a light blue gray rayon lining that shows sweat staining around the bottom, as well as fraying on the left side, where it has had the stitches pull through and is detached from the outer shell for about an inch and a half. 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 this cap is very good, showing light to moderate wear, and no moth damage that we can see. The color is retained quite well, with the expected very minor fading and discoloration from age and use. The bullion piping is still in great shape.

A lovely example of a Luftwaffe Officer Overseas cap, ready to add to your 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.