Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice lightly Genuine WWII German Kriegsmarine "Private Purchase" sailor's White Topped Tellermütze (Flat Cap), usually referred to as a “Donald Duck” hat. This basic design of the "Donald Duck" cap was popular worldwide, and used by many countries. These caps were worn by all Junior NCO's and enlisted men.

This private purchase example has a removable white cotton top body, which could be swapped out with different colors as needed. Unfortunately we only received this cap with the white top. There is a white light canvas liner inside the crown, which is attached to a dark blue wool band with a stiffener inside, so the crown fits securely. Around this is a black silk cap tally machine embroidered with the title Kriegsmarine in yellow thread. The tally is affixed by braided thread in two places at the rear, as is standard. The front of the cap bears a stickpin-style national eagle composed of brass over a metal tri-color cockade with a painted center. The eagle and cockade are plated steel, and can be easily removed from the crown.

The interior is complete with the original brown leather sweatband with a securing string running through it. It is in good condition, showing staining and some cracking, particularly on the rear left. There is a metal M attached to the liner, which we assume is either an initial or a Kriegsmarine marking. There is no size markings present on this cap, but it is believed to be 56-57cm ( 7-7 1/8 U.S. ). The top of the liner still has an intact celluloid sweat shield, and under this is a complete original makers label:

Mützen-
Scherff
(Ship Logo)
Wilhelmshaven
Roon-
Str.
84

Wilhelmshaven is a port city in the North of Germany on the North Sea Coast near Bremen, which is exactly where you would expect caps such as these to be made and retailed. Overall the cap is in very good condition, with a great lightly worn look. This was not a cap that spent the war in a depot.

A really nice private purchase Kriegsmarine "Donald Duck" cap, ready to display!