Original German WWII 13th Waffen Mountain Division SS Handschar M43 Maroon Parade Fez for Foreign Volunteers with Tassel with Sweatband – Size 56 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a maroon fez that was part of the dress uniform of a Waffen-SS military detachment composed of Muslims from Bosnia, Croatia, and Herzegovina in occupied Yugoslavia. The creation of this unit was authorized by AH in 1943. Worn by the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar, the maroon fez would have been worn during parades and while off duty.

The original purpose was to combat Tito’s partisans. Through recruitment and conscription, the unit had 26,000 soldiers within a few months. The group was commanded by German or ethnic German officers, and the uniforms were designed to reflect the religion and ethnicity of the recruits. Later, the Fez was also issued to local volunteers from other areas in the Balkans.

There were two versions of the fez: a field gray model to be worn in combat and while on duty and a maroon model for parades, marching exercises and while off duty.

This example in approximate size 56cm (US 7) is offered in overall very good condition, with only minor age toning and moth nips on red (maroon) wool felt exterior, definitely one of the better examples we have seen. The insignia look great as well, and are sewn on using black thread on the front and red thread on the back, as with other examples we have seen. The top tassel has just a bit of fraying at the ends, and the center “stalk” is still firmly attached. The tack stitches that normally are on the back to hold it in place are missing, as they pull out easily.

The inside has a fully intact excellent condition grained leather sweatband around the entire circumference, with the stitching no longer intact where the two ends conjoin on the sweatband itself.

This example is 100% authentic: there are and have been numerous fakes on the market, this is not one of those. Ready to display!