Original Item: Only One Available. The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf H. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

When WWII began in earnest, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) (SS Dispositional Troops) became the Waffen-SS ("Armed SS"), an official military branch of the SS organization. Its formations included men from NSDAP ruled Germany, along with volunteers and conscripts from both occupied and unoccupied lands.

This is an excellent condition extremely rare German Waffen SS "Other Ranks" EM/NCO Schirmmütze (Visor Cap), with a lovely "Crushed" shape. This "saddle-form" shape is highly desirable, and later in the war caps were made without stiffeners, so they would have this shape from the start. The cap shows high quality fabrication, made with typical army type feldgrau (Field Gray) green / gray "doeskin" wool with a black felt band and a traditional high front. The Weiß (white) wool triple piping is still in great shape, and does not have much "age toning" at all, still showing a vibrant color. As with the Heer, this is the SS Waffenfarbe (Corps Color) for Infantry, Motorized infantry, and Panzergrenadier troops.

The center band is produced in black felt badge cloth and in very good condition. The original Reichsadler (National Eagle) and Totenkopf (Skull) emblems are present, and in very good condition. Both still retain a lot of the original aluminized "silvering", with some loss on the wear points as shown. The black leather chinstrap is present, retained by the proper black enameled buttons, and is still in very good shape, without any tearing or major deterioration of the finish. It is a bit stiff, as to be expected, but this is definitely a prime example. The black vulkanfibre visor is in very good condition, with an beige underside.

The interior is lined in cream colored rayon fabric, which shows very little age or discoloration. The top celluloid sweat shield is almost completely intact, with fully intact stitching and just a bit of cracking on the far left and right sides. There is no yellowing, and it has an Eagle logo at the top with Extra Klasse in the center, indicating a high level of manufacture. At the bottom is a MARKE STANDARD (trademark), though unfortunately we are not able to identify which maker these are from.

The nametag slot has a piece of paper with Strm. Henniges written in stylized letters, which would be for SS-Sturmmann (SS-Assault man/Storm trooper) Henniges. This is a Waffen SS rank equivalent to a Heer Gefreiter or U.S. Army "Acting" Corporal.

The sweatband is heavy light brown oil cloth, and is retained beautifully. It is slightly stiff, as to be expected, but there are no major tears or damage, just a bit of cracking and deterioration of the finish, as to be expected. Size looks to be around a 57-58cm.

A great condition rare named German Waffen SS EM/NCO Visor cap, with a beautiful crushed shape and some great research potential. Ready to display!