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 wool with a black felt band and a traditional high front. The white wool piping is still in great shape, and does not have much "age toning" at all, still showing a vibrant color.

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 orange underside.

The interior is lined in light brown 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 near the opening for the name tag. It has slightly yellowed, but still is solid. There is a clear maker logo in gold stamped on the shield, however we have not been able to identify it. 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. Size looks to be around a 56-57cm.

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