Kriegsmarine EM/NCO's white summer side cap
A very nice cap. Used during the summer period.
Condition is overall excellent. No damages.
Some very minor soiling from wear.
Original machine sewn insignia. Bone white cotton.
Maker marked "Heinrich Balke Mützenfabrik Bremen 1942" size 56.
These white caps are hard to find and most dealers charge a lot more.
HISTORY:
German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The Kriegsmarine overseas cap was originally introduced on November 10TH 1938 and was officially designated, Gefechtsmütze (Battle cap). This early pattern overseas cap was restricted for wear on ships by certain specific personnel. On October 7TH 1939 the cap underwent minor modifications, was re-designated, Bordmütze, (Board cap), and became a regular issue item for wear by all personnel both on and off ship for the duration of the war. Officer and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Although enlisted personnel were issued their caps from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored caps although the price may have been restrictive. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots. Officer ranks overseas caps were distinguished from EM/NCO’s by the addition of gilt piping around the forward edge of the flaps while administrative officials utilized silver piping.
