Original German WWII Luftwaffe EM-NCO Wool M38 Overseas Cap Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service used example of a German WWII Luftwaffe M38 Overseas cap (Schiffchen), as worn by Enlisted men and NCOs (EM-NCO). It definitely has a “been there” look that is impossible to duplicate. 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. The eagle is machine stitched through to the interior of the cap, using white thread on the exterior and blue on the interior. It is the correct zig zag pattern of the period, so it was installed after the cap was produced. It features a lining that is part blue gray and part tan, which is definitely interesting, possibly from a field repair, though it is definitely very well done. There are no markings on the interior of the cap, and it seems to be rather small, probably around a 56, and measures about 26.5cm in length on the exterior.

Overall condition shows moderate wear to the exterior, with a some of the fuzzy “nap” of the fabric removed, except under the flaps on both sides and down the top center seam.

A lightly service used cap that was “really there”, ready to add to your collection!

Side Cap
A side cap is a military cap that can be folded flat when not being worn. It is also known as a garrison cap or flight cap in the United States, wedge cap in Canada, or field service cap in the United Kingdom. In form the side cap is comparable to the glengarry, a folding version of the Scottish military bonnet. It has been associated with various military forces since the middle of the 19th century, as well as various civilian organizations.