Original WWII Era Polish Rogatywka Czapka Style Visor Cap by W. Koj of Częstochowa
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Original Item: Only One Available. A Rogatywka, sometimes translated as peaked cap, is the Polish generic name for an asymmetrical, peaked, four-pointed cap used by various Polish military formations throughout the ages. The design is classic, and somewhat similar to the iconic Czapka helmets used by Polish forces. It is also a distant relative of its 18th-century predecessor, konfederatka (because of use by members of the Bar Confederation), although similar caps have been used by light cavalry since the 14th century.
It consists of a four-pointed top and a short peak, usually made of black or brown leather. Although rogatywka (derived from róg which means horn or corner) in English seems to mean the same as czapka, the word 'czapka' in Polish designates not only rogatywka, but all caps (not hats).
This example is typical of those used during the WWII Period and prior, with a blue bap band and olive green crown. The construction is mostly of wool, with an olive sheer fabric lining, and leather sweatband. The front of the cap has a standard Polish cap badge topped by the Polish Eagle.
There is a manufacturers stamp on the crown of the lining, though we can only read part of it:
CZAPEK
W. KOG
CZĘSTOCHOWA
Czapek is the Polish word for "cap", and Częstochowa is a city in the Silesian region of Poland. There is also a nametag stitched into the inside under the sweatband, reading Ropito, as well as some other text which has faded. We assume this is the name of the soldier it was issued to.
Condition is good, but it does unfortunately have substantial moth damage in areas of the crown, and especially under the chin strap. This has exposed the card stock body of the cap just above the visor. However, these caps are rare in any condition, and this is the first example that we have ever had.
A very nice WWII Period cap, ready to add to your collection!
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