Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An EM/NCO’s Shako, Robert Lubstein

(Ordnungspolizei Tschako für Mannschaften). A very well-preserved Ordnungspolizei EM/NCO’s shako, constructed of a black vulcanfibre shell with a gentle slope protruding at the back for neck protection. The sides of the canister are fully lined with a smooth police-green wool liner. Affixed to the crown is a lacquered black vulcanfibre “coffee can” style fitting, secured in place with heavy machine stitching around the outer circumference. It is flanked on each side by dual ventilation holes, reinforced with non-magnetic metal eyelets with mesh screens. A hollow channel is set into the peak, and is inserted with an aluminum cockade affixed to a U-shaped prong, bearing a partially-legible maker’s mark on the reverse. Also riveted to the peak is an aluminum Ordnungspolizei insignia consisting of a semi-circular oak leaf wreath, overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 13.5 cm (w) x 8 cm (h). Aluminum studs emanate from the sides of the shako and retain an intact black leather chinstrap, adjusted with dual functional aluminum buckles. Lacquered black vulcanfibre visors descend from both the visor and neck guard. The interior features a light brown leather sweatband fully surrounding the side walls, featuring a scalloped edge and ventilation holes, with a faintly-visible size mark of “56”.. A two-piece retractable liner covers the crown, and pulls back to reveal the “EREL” maker’s mark for the firm of Robert Lubstein, Berlin. It measures approximately 17.5 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 15.5 cm (h) (exclusive of cockade). The shako demonstrates only minor, age-appropriate signs of material fatigue, including a small moth bite to the exterior liner below the peak insignia. It remains in an extremely fine condition.