{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-waffen-ss-m43-maroon-parade-fez-for-foreign-volunteers-with-tassel-sweatband-missing-insignia-size-57","title":"Original German WWII Waffen SS M43 Maroon Parade Fez for Foreign Volunteers with Tassel \u0026 Sweatband - Missing Insignia - Size 57","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a maroon fez that was part of the dress uniform of a Waffen-SS military detachment composed of Muslims from Bosnia, Croatia, and Herzegovina in occupied Yugoslavia. The creation of this unit was authorized by AH in 1943. The original purpose was to combat Tito's partisans. Through recruitment and conscription, the unit had 26,000 soldiers within a few months. The group was commanded by German or ethnic German officers, and the uniforms were designed to reflect the religion and ethnicity of the recruits. Later, the Fez was also issued to local volunteers from other areas in the Balkans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were two versions of the fez: a field gray model to be worn in combat and while on duty and a maroon model for parades, marching exercises and while off duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is offered in overall very fair condition, missing both the skull and eagle insignia, with only minor age toning and moth on red\/maroon wool felt exterior. There are clear shadows where the insignia were, and they could definitely be reattached if originals are found. The top tassel has just a bit of fraying at the ends, and the center \"stalk\" is still firmly attached. The tack stitches that normally are on the back to hold it in place are missing, as they pull out easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inside has a fully intact excellent condition grained black leather sweatband around the entire circumference, with the stitching completely intact. There is a size \u003cstrong\u003e57\u003c\/strong\u003e label on the interior at the joint, which has torn in half but is still legible. Considering that almost all of these have damaged or missing sweatbands, this is definitely a top tier example!\u003cbr\u003eThis example is 100% authentic: there are and have been numerous fakes on the market, this is not one of those. Ready to display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41941458387013,"sku":"ONSV22WON02","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV22WON02__01.jpg?v=1726272378","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-waffen-ss-m43-maroon-parade-fez-for-foreign-volunteers-with-tassel-sweatband-missing-insignia-size-57","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}