Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and hard to find example of a German WWII Kriegsmarine Coastal Artillery overseas cap (Küstenartillerie 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 the Coastal Artillery.
This example is constructed of a a field gray (feldgrau) wool exterior, with a gray cotton lining. This is similar to the army colors, however it features a fine machine embroidered eagle, with yellow thread, the Kriegsmarine color, on a tan base. There is no soutache, so this cap was most likely for a lower ranking enlisted man. The front bottom has a machine embroidered tri-color cockade, which is woven on the came tan material. The inside liner is marked with size 56 to the right of the French makers mark: S.O.G.E.C.O. / NANTES. This city near the west coast of France along the Loire river was under military occupation by Germany, so local industry was pressed into service.
Condition of this cap is very good, though it unfortunately has suffered some moth damage to the wool outer portion, as shown. The color is retained quite well, and this is definitely a very attractive and colorful overseas cap. The interior liner shows moderate wear, but is still solid. Ready to add to your collection!