Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An EM/NCO’s Shako, by H. Becker

(Ordnungspolizei Tschako für Mannschaften). A 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 coarse 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 aluminum eyelets with mesh screens. A hollow channel is set into the peak, and is inserted with a magnetic metal cockade affixed to a U-shaped prong, stamped on the back with a manufacture date of “1944”. 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. Aluminum studs emanate from the sides of the shako and retain an intact black leatherette chinstrap, adjusted with dual functional aluminum buckles. Lacquered black vulcanfibre visors descent from both the visor and neck guard. The interior features a light brown leather liner culminating in eight fingers, each of which is perforated with five ventilation holes and topped by an additional eyelet through which is looped an original drawstring. The crown bears a fully-intact maker’s mark of “H. BECKER & CO., BERLIN”, topped by a size mark of “56”. The shako measures approximately 18.5 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 16 cm (h) (exclusive of cockade). Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing and loss of finish to the metal fixtures, wear of the exterior liner, and fatigue of the interior liner. This late-war example remains in a near extremely fine condition.