Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An Officer’s Shako, by Robert Lubstein

(Ordnungspolizei Tschako für Offiziere). A well-preserved Ordnungspolizei Officer’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 insignia in the form of a reinforced black doeskin base bearing a silver aluminum wire cockade with a red wool centrepiece. Unmarked, the cockade is affixed to a U-shaped aluminum prong. 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 15 cm (w) x 10 cm (h). Aluminum dusc studs emanate from the sides of the shako and retain an intact chinstrap consisting of a black leather base topped by aluminum chin scales which taper toward the centre, where the two lengths lock in place with a stud and eyelet. Lacquered blackvulcanfibre visors descend from both the visor and neck guard, while the rim is reinforced with a layer of heavy black leather. The interior features a beige rayon liner and the remnants of a brown leather sweatband. Visible on the crown is the “eReL” trade name of the former firm of Robert Lubstein, Berlin. The shako measures approximately 19 cm (w) x 26.5 cm (l) x 15 cm (h) (exclusive of cockade). Issues consistent with age and period wear are evident, and include some oxidation and tarnsihing of the exterior metal and wire features, scratching of the vulcanfibre fixtures, and extensive deterioration of the interior liner which has resulted in the loss of most of the sweatband and detachment of the liner. It remains in very fine condition.