Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent French-made example of a German WWII Kriegsmarine Navy M38 Overseas cap (Schiffchen), as worn NCO ranks. 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 Warrant and Petty officer NCO ranks.
The cap is constructed of a navy blue wool exterior, and features machine BeVo embroidered bullion eagle and tri-color cockade emblems sewn to the front. The interior looks to be a dark navy blue rayon / cotton blend, and is in very good condition. It is size marked 59 and has a relatively clear French maker’s mark, which reads:
CHAPELIÈRE
PARISIENNE
PARIS
The Chapelière Parisienne cap making firm in Paris was a known manufacturer for the Germans during their occupation of France. However, as an act of covert defiance they manufactured a number of caps in inordinately small sizes, rendering them useless and resulting in them having to be altered to suitable dimensions. This cap however is in the correct size.
Condition is very good, showing only a bit of wear and no mothing we can see. The top pleat has been stitched together at the top, which helps to maintain the shape when being worn. The colors are all still vibrant on the embroidered insignia.
An excellent lightly used French-made Kriegsmarine NCO cap, ready to add to your collection!