Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely "salty" service worn example of a German WWII Luftwaffe M38 Overseas cap (Schiffchen), as worn by Enlisted men and NCOs (EM-NCO). 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 and tri-color cockade sewn to the front. These are only stitched to the outer layer of fabric, which means they were sewn on during production. It features a gray blue rayon lining, which shows that it saw long service, with staining around the entire edge, as well as some tearing. It has 3"L x 2" area along the left bottom where the lining was replaced with a rectangular graft, as it had become excessively worn. There are no markings on the inside that we can see.

Overall condition shows wear to the exterior, with most of the fuzzy "nap" of the fabric removed, except under the flaps on both sides and down the top center seam. A great "salty" cap that was "really there", 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.