Description

Luftwaffe enlisted Mans Tropical visor cap, also referred to as a « Hermann Meyer » cap. This particular example is the earliest know variant of the classic visor caps worn in the North African Theater. Visor cap retains its original chinstrap made from a thin supple black pebbled leather. Insignia on this early cap are what were also used on tropical overseas caps by the same maker, nicely and period hand sewn. National cockade is the early type with a tan backing of the same material as the cap. Made from interwoven cotton thread, factory produced example. Cap has some discoloration from being stored away, has actual field use but in excellent condition overall with no real rips or tears. Retains its all original vent holes which are the larger type and tan painted associated with this manufacture. The interior of the cap shows the typical red lining and although faded but still readable is the maker, address, and size of the cap « AUGUST SCHELLENBERG  BERLIN> ». Of interesting note is the soldiers initials are present on the front written in black colored ink « R J ».

The cap was originally found direct in the estate sale of Private First Class Henry Schwirkert. Army Serial Number 36117256. In the unit of the Company Headquarters of the 747th Military Police Battalion stationed out of Fort Ord, California. PFC Schwirkert was a German - American by birth and because of his ability to speak and translate German was useful in the interrogation of captured German Prisoners of War. This cap was taken from a surrendering German POW in the North African Theater and is the only cap that we are aware of with such direct provenance. Extremely rare !