Reichsmarine U-Boat Cap

Product Description: This Reichsmarine U-Boat Cap is a beautiful and rare piece. The body of this nicely made cap is made of woven straw, and shows light patina and aging. The exterior black rayon cap band is hand applied to the cap. The woven lettering on the cap band shows light wear, and reads “Unterseeboot 9.” The metal cockade on the front of the cap is intact, with typical patina and slight wear to the paint. Inside, this attractive Reichsmarine U-Boat Cap is lined with a light cotton twill fabric. There are no maker, size or depot markings. The sweatband is made of of pressed paper. This rare cap displays extremely well and would be tough to upgrade. Overall, the condition rates as excellent.

Historical Description: The German Navy has a long, rich history. Its modern era began in 1948 with the formation of what was then called the Reichsflotte. The early German Navy participated in a number of conflicts and battles, such as the Second Schleswig War of 1864 and the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The North German Confederation of 1867 took over the Prussian Navy, and used this in the Franco-Prussian War. The build up of the German Navy in Imperial times was slow, but the years prior to WWI saw an intensive buildup of modern craft including large torpedo boats, submarines, airships, Naval flight units and large ships of the line to rival the British Dreadnought class. Despite this, and in part due to the supply situation, the German Navy was unable to achieve decisive victory against the British Navy in WWI. The Treaty of Versailles after the defeat of 1918 permitted Germany to retain only a small Navy, the Reichsmarine. Strength of the Reichsmarine was limited to 15,000 men. The rearmament of the German Navy began in 1933 with the Nazi rise to power. In 1935, the Reichsmarine became the Kriegsmarine, and plans began to equip this force with vessels including aircraft carriers, battleships and many submarines. These plans were interrupted in 1939 by the start of WWII, in which the Kriegsmarine was involved from the first moments at the outbreak of hostilities. After a series of early losses of battleships, the Kriegsmarine in WWII increasingly focused on the U-Boat war. Despite many successes, which resulted in a supply crisis in the United Kingdom, the U-Boats were unable to prevent the Allies from retaining naval superiority in the war. The final great action of the Gertman Kriegsmarine was the evacuation by sea of refugees from the Soviet Red Army- the largest evacuation in human history.

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

Epic Artifacts offers the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates. https://epicartifacts.com/sell-to-us/

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