Waffen-SS Cavalry/Reconnaissance NCO/EM's Visor Cap
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 50.GOR.01.01.01.01.03.007.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A well-preserved Waffen-SS Cavalry/Reconnaissance EM/NCO’s visor cap, constructed of field-grey wool twill. The cap is fully surrounded by a black wool cap band, trimmed at both the top and bottom with golden-yellow threaded piping, with an additional band of golden-yellow piping surrounding the crown. Pinned into the peak of the cap is silvered zink insignia in the form of a SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. Measuring 67.64 mm (w) x 32.50 mm (h), the eagle is maker marked on the reverse with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and a partially-obscured code beginning with “M1”. The dual reverse attachment prongs demonstrate period repair, with the solder obscuring the remainder of the maker’s code. Pinned into the cap underneath the eagle is an insignia in the form of a zink Danizger-style Totenkopf, which is unmarked and measures 32.40 mm (w) x 28.90 mm (h). The cap is flanked on each side by a black-painted magnetic metal button, securing in place a chinstrap. The chinstrap consists of two blackened leather straps joined together at the front of the cap by a black-painted magnetic metal loop, with each strap adjusted by a blackened magnetic metal buckle. When not in use, the chinstrap rests upon a protruding vulcanfibre visor. The visor is painted black on the obverse and light brown on the reverse, and is securely stitched into the structure of the cap. The interior features a tan-coloured leather sweatband fully stitched around the circumference, measuring 48 mm in width. The interior is fully lined with a light grey rayon-blended material, and formerly featured a moisture guard which has since been lost. Unmarked, the cap measures approximately 220 mm (w) x 245 mm (l) x 160 mm (h). While a well-preserved example, the cap displays some issues consistent with age and field use. This includes some material fatigue to the wool, loss of paint and finish to the visor and insignia, respectively, and material fatigue of the leather elements. Additionally, the owner removed the internal wire crown stiffener, resulting in a crusher-style appearance. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.
From its inception, the Waffen-SS used the visor cap as part of its standard uniform. This “old style” cap was similar to the one worn in the Wehrmacht and featured a rounded top panel shape (Tellerform).
In 1936, the saddle-shaped (Sattelform) version of the Waffen-SS Visor Cap was introduced. The colour of the cap was predicated by the colour of the wearer’s service uniform, although there were instances of individuals wearing a mismatched cap and uniform.
Waffen-SS visors caps are essentially the same as Army caps; they both feature a similar internal and external structure.
The visor caps of the Waffen-SS are field-grey, while the visor caps of the Allgemeine-SS are black.
Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Men wore caps with piping that reflected the individual’s branch colour (Waffenfarbe).
Ranks up to Officer wore caps with white piping, regardless of the wearer’s branch and General Officers wore caps with silver piping.
As of 1940, Waffen-SS Officers were allowed to wear piping that reflected their branch’s service colour. However, this regulation was revoked at the end of the same year, as Himmler wanted the SS to remain distinct from the Army. Due to the short period of time that these caps were issued, there is a limited number available on the market.
A white-piped cap may be a Waffen-SS Officers cap with infantry piping or a standard Waffen-SS Officer’s visor cap. It is impossible to tell unless the cap is stamped “1940.”
The visor on the Officer cap was composed of Vulkanfiber, which was lacquered on the top. Enlisted ranks were not authorized to wear this style until later in the war, when the black dress uniform was discontinued. The internal side of the visor generally features a finely cross-hatched pattern that was moulded or scored onto the underside of the visor. Authentic visors are shiny and never appear completely matte, regardless of how well-worn the item is.
Waffen-SS Officer visor caps featured black velvet cap bands and the band of other Waffen-SS ranks featured cap bands composed of black felt.
The caps of Officers and enlisted ranks were distinguishable due to the fact that the Officer cap featured a double-corded aluminum chinstrap, while Non-Commissioned Officers wore leather buckles that feature a distinctive centre buckle. Some Officer candidates were authorized to wear the aluminum cord.
Regulation caps were strictly composed of Tricot wool. Caps that are composed of different styles of wool were privately manufactured and the internal cloth colour will reflect the buyer’s personal preference.
The visor reverse colours are generally reddish brown, tan, or crème. Other colours are less frequently seen.
The most common lining colours of the visor cap are reddish brown, gold, pale gold, pale greenish-blue, grey, and light brown.
Waffen-SS Caps do not feature “SS RZM” marks on the visor reverse. They also do not feature a gold SS rune mark on the cap lining.
A simplified approximation of branch colours follows:
Silver or grey: Generals
White: Infantry
Red: Artillery
Black: Engineers (“Pioniere”)
Lemon yellow: Signals
Pink: Armoured/Anti-Tank
Copper brown: Reconnaissance (1940-1942)
Golden yellow: Cavalry/Reconnaissance (1942-1945)
Dark blue: Medical
Grass green: Mountain Troops
Light blue: Supply Troops
Orange: Field Police/Special & Technical Services
Dark Green: Reserve & Special Services Officers (1940-1942)
Red & Grey: Special Services Officers (1942-1945)
Carmine: Veterinary
Wine red: Judicial
Light brown: Concentration Camp Personnel
Light pink: Transport Troops
Light salmon pink: Military Geologists
Sky blue: Administration
Only the more common branches among the above mentioned ones were included in certain MedalBook chapters. The rarer items of uncommon branches may be added in the future if images become available.
All ranks of Officers were responsible for purchasing the necessary uniform and accoutrements. As such, the quality and type of materials used varies greatly between examples of the same object.
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