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 a very nice extremely rare German Waffen SS "Other Ranks" 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 wool with a black felt band and a traditional high front. The white wool piping also has some minor age toning, so it is now more of a cream color. All of this is minor, and does nothing to take away from this very handsome cap.

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 nice condition. The eagle is now a dull gray color, while the skull still has a lot of the silver wash on the front. The black leather chinstrap present, retained by the proper black enameled buttons, however it has shrunk and is now very stiff. The black vulkanfibre visor is in very good condition, with an orange underside.

The interior is lined in soft black fabric, which looks to be cotton, but might be a rayon cotton blend. The interior is in good condition, however the top celluloid sweat shield is missing, and the interior is completely unmarked. The leather sweatband is still in good condition, though it is stiff, and has some tears and repairs.

A very nice rare German Waffen SS EM/NCO Visor cap, with a beautiful crushed shape. Ready to display!