Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service worn example of a German WWII Luftwaffe M38 Overseas cap (Schiffchen), as worn by Enlisted men and NCOs (EM-NCO). 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 Luftwaffe for most occasions.
The cap is constructed of the correct Luftwaffe Fliegerblau (Flyer’s Blue) blue gray wool exterior, and features a fine embroidered eagle and tri-color cockade sewn to the front. It features a faded light blue lining that looks to be rayon, or a cotton rayon blend.
The condition of the cap is good, but it definitely does show staining and wear from service. There is discoloration around the lower edged from dirt and sweat, and the interior is stained as well. There also is wear through in the front and back from long service. There is a small piece of bent wire in the crown used to hold the top of the cap together, a common modification.
Real service used caps such as these have a nice “salty” look that is impossible to duplicate, and means that it was “really there”, and not sitting in a depot during the war. Ready to add to your collection!