SS Cap Eagle – M1/72 Zimmerman

Product Description: A superb example of the SS Cap Eagle – M1/72 Zimmerman, executed in CupAl, a mechanically bonded copper and aluminum alloy characteristic of early production. The obverse retains its original silver electroplated finish, with gentle wear to the high reliefs revealing the warm tone of the underlying metal. The exposed areas have developed a rich, natural patina over time, lending the piece a distinguished appearance.

Crisply struck with finely defined feathering and smooth surfaces, this eagle exemplifies the superior craftsmanship associated with the Stuttgart firm Fritz Zimmermann, whose maker code “M1/72” is clearly stamped to the reverse. The reverse surface displays untouched, dark toning to the silver finish, further attesting to its originality.

Both of the original attachment prongs remain fully intact, constructed of Tombak and secured with the correct original grey solder—an authentic detail found on period examples. Weighing 3.8 grams, this piece is presented in excellent++ condition, with an exceptional balance of preservation and character.

A striking and desirable specimen for the discerning collector of early SS insignia.

Historical Description: The SS was founded as a paramilitary branch of the Nazi Party in 1925. Beginning in 1927, the SS began to wear a German national eagle and swastika emblem on their headgear. The SS were the first to adopt this practice, but the SA and other Nazi organizations soon began to use the same pinned-on metal cap eagle, which became known as a “political” type cap eagle as it was different from those used by the various military branches. Beneath this eagle, instead of a wreathed national colors cockade, the early SS wore a jawless skull emblem, sometimes called a “Danziger” skull, which was based on a traditional “Totenkopf” death’s-head emblem that had been used in the Prussian military since the time of Frederick the Great. This jawless skull is referred to by collectors as the first pattern SS skull. On October 6, 1934, the SS introduced a new pattern of cap skull that was unlike the traditional design that had previously been adopted. This second pattern SS skull was used until the end of WWII and is the iconic Totenkopf widely associated with the SS today. It was initially worn in conjunction with the political style cap eagle, but in February 1936 the SS introduced a new type of cap eagle to differentiate from other political organizations. This eagle had longer wings than the early political type, and was the pattern worn by the SS together with the second pattern Totenkopf, until 1945. Early SS cap insignia was made from a variety of materials including aluminum, which was left bare, and Tombak, a brass alloy, which was treated with a silver finish. Some examples were made of a composite material called CupAl, which is made by coating aluminum with copper sheet using a special mechanical process. Later, during the later years of WWII, SS cap insignia was generally made of zinc that was treated with a silver wash. As with all SS regalia, SS cap insignia is very collectible today.

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