SS Visor Cap Skull

Product Description:  A compelling and highly recognizable SS Visor Skull, representing one of the most iconic emblems associated with the period. This example is of the two-prong type and is marked “Ges. Gesch.”, indicating protected design. One of the rear prongs is no longer present, a condition consistent with age and recovery.

Constructed in zinc, the piece exhibits oxidation, surface pitting, and wear, all in keeping with prolonged exposure. Notably, despite this textured surface, the SS Visor Skull retains a pleasing amount of its original silver wash, lending depth and contrast to the design. The overall appearance suggests a ground-recovered example, with an authentic patina that many collectors find particularly desirable.

As a representative example of a likely excavated piece, it remains in stable and displayable condition, offering both historical character and strong visual presence. This SS Visor Skull stands as a tangible artifact of its era, valued for its unmistakable form and enduring appeal among collectors.

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.

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. Inquiries

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