Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic unissued condition example of a German WWII Heer Army Infantry Officer’s M38 overseas cap (Schiffchen). The overseas cap, nicknamed in German military slang as Schiffchen, or literally “little ship” as it resembled an up-turned row-boat, was standard issue for all branches of the Heer.
This example is constructed of a a field gray (feldgrau) “whipcord weave” wool exterior, with a gray rayon faux silk lining and gray leather forehead sweatband. The interior is stamped in gray with size 54 on the top. It features a fine 1940 pattern BeVO-style machine embroidered eagle, with silver bullion thread on a green base, the standard Heer officer colors. Below this is a BeVo-style embroidered National Tri-Color cockade. The “scallop” on the front has silver piping on top, which is also around the cap crown, indicating officer issue. There is no colored soutache, as one would have usually been added when the cap was actually put into service.
Condition is excellent, and it shows little to no signs of ever having been used. It is marked DEUTSCHES FABRIKAT on the leather sweatband, which is still supple. The only issue are some creases and wrinkles on the sweatband.
A fantastic unissued Heer Army Officer’s M38 cap, ready to display! It is unlikely we will ever see one in better condition!