Rare Luftwaffe NCO Visor Cap – Bau (Construction)

Product Description: This is a really nice example of an extremely rare black piped Luftwaffe NCO Visor Cap, as worn by members of Bau (Construction) units. The exterior of this cap is made of finely ribbed blue Tricot wool, with a woven ribbed black wool center band, and seldom-seen black wool piping. The front of the cap is complete with a nice set of aluminum insignia, which is original to the cap. The cockade retains virtually all of the original paint, and the second pattern Luftwaffe eagle is nicely detailed, with only a slight patina. The leather chin strap is intact, with age crazing, and the visor presents no issues. The cap has a very attractive and desirable saddle shape, and shows only one very small moth nip on the front. Inside, this Luftwaffe NCO Visor Cap is lined with blue rayon. The celluloid sweat diamond is completely intact, and bears the name and address of the manufacturer, “Christian Becker.” The thin leather sweatband is intact, with no damage. There is no unit marking under the sweatband. Caps from this branch are exceptionally hard to find. The condition of this one rates as excellent.

Historical Description: The visor cap (Schirmmütze) was an important part of the headgear worn by German uniformed military, civil, paramilitary and political organizations during the Third Reich. This was the standard cloth headgear worn as a part of the service uniform. Visor caps were worn outdoors, as well as indoors, and were often required to be worn by all personnel on duty. Visor caps were made in versions specific to each organization and were often further differentiated through the use of insignia, colored piping, or style of chin cord, to indicate rank, role or branch. The insignia used on these caps ranged from simple stamped metal emblems, to elaborate hand embroidery. Visor caps were issued to enlisted soldiers and NCOs in the military and in some other organizations. Officers had to purchase their own hats, and lower ranks could choose to purchase caps that were of a higher quality than the rather basic, issue examples. The private purchase caps were generally made in very high quality, with fine materials. A wide variety of fabrics were used, from Trikot and doeskin, to heavy wool, or even lightweight white fabric for summer wear. In the military, issue of these caps was generally suspended shortly after the outbreak of the war, but they continued to be worn by some troops until the end of the war.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com