SS Visor Skull – RZM M1/24

Product Description: A unique and historically significant example of Third Reich insignia, this SS Visor Cap Skull – M1/24 is struck in die-cast zinc and bears the correct RZM M1/24 maker’s mark on the reverse, identifying production by Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid.

While the original attachment prongs are absent, the skull remains structurally sound and displays an even, attractive patina across the surface. All original finish has been lost, leaving behind a distinctive texture, possibly indicative of ground recovery, yet key features such as the teeth, jawline, and eye sockets remain clearly defined on the obverse. The reverse retains crisp stamped details, including the prominent RZM M1/24 marking.

Highly representative of late-war production standards, this SS Visor Cap Skull – M1/24 is a compelling artifact for the advanced militaria collector—valued for its authenticity, preservation, and unique surface character. Overall condition is rated as excellent.

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 free evaluations and 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