Kriegsmarine White Top Officer's Visor Cap

Synonymous with wear by U-Boat commanders, they were the only branch of the Kriegsmarine allowed to wear them year round, uniform regulations dictating wear by other branches being restricted to summer or warm climates.

High quality ribbed cotton, removable top with a black, ribbed centerband. The front center of the cap has a gilt metal national eagle pinned in place. The front center of the centerband has a hand embroidered oak-leaf wreath in gilt wire encompassing a national tri-color cockade in black and silver wire threads with an red felt centerpiece. The wreath and cockade are mounted on a padded, navy blue wool base which is also neatly handsewn to the cap. The cap has a black, leather chinstrap. The chinstrap is secured to the cap by two, small, fire gilted metal buttons. The cap has an extended, forward, black visor with a dark blue wool top covering to the top edge with a single row of scalloped edged, hand embroidery in gilt wire threads and simulated, black leather trim both positioned near the forward edge. The embroidery on the visor signifies that the owner was holding the rank of Leutnant zur See, Oberleutnant zur See or Kapitänleutnant. The interior of the cap is fully lined in white rayon. The interior of the cap also has a intact leather sweatband and maker marked celluloid sweat shield. The sweat shield is maker marked “Nordd. Mützenfabrik M Schlöffel, Wilhelmshaven”. The cap is in well used condition, white top is rather clean (as it was washed during the period) with no holes or mendings. Inside shows clear signs of long time use with soiling to the lining. The front lining has a large tear and the sweatband has a smaller cut, see pictures.