A 1936 Allgemeine SS NCO Dienstmütze; SS-RZM Tagged

This is a textbook example of an extremely well preserved Allgemeine SS Visor Cap/Dienstmütze of the Type 1936. It is a traditionally early saddle-shaped cap, constructed of fine pre-war quality black gabardine wool, featuring its traditional high peak and low “crushed” sides. The crown is ordained with fine white cotton piping, as well as on the top and bottom edges of the cap band. The fabric spanning around the crown is tight, and without signs of mothing, and without significant signs of wear or age. The cap band is equally crafted of fine black gabardine wool and is decorated with a beautifully detailed silvered tombac eagle insignia on the peak of the cap, with approximately 90% of the original silvering intact. Directly below the white piping, in the centre of the cap, is a second pattern SS (1914-1945) visor skull in cupal. The visor is crafted of glossy black lacquered Vulkanfiber, with a raised molded ridge running along the outer brim. The underside of the visor is lightly textured in a chequered pattern, is painted in a rusty brown colour, and features a stamp in black ink with the SS runes surrounded by the letters “RZM” (Reichszeugmeisterei) on the right side. The two-piece black leather chin strap rests directly on the visor, featuring adjustment buckles on either side of the cap, with an additional central loop below the skull. It is slotted and wrapped around black finished magnetic metal buttons on either side of the cap. On the interior, this cap features a 45 mm wide butterscotch colour sweatband that is perforated along the front edge with five tiny rows of forty ventilation holes per row. It is sewn together at the back of the cap and then attached to the interior of the via light brown cotton twill. The sidewalls of the cap are lined in rusty-brown colored cotton/rayon blended fabric, featuring a SS-RZM (Schutzstaffel-Reichszeugmeisterei) oilcloth tag. Although it is not marked by the manufacturer, it is marked “Tuchmütze für SS” (Cloth Cap for SS), “Hersteller” (Manufacturer), “Gesetz vom 20.12.1934 / Uniformteile müssen sichtbar das Schutzzeichen der RZM der NSDAP tragen - Bekanntmachung vom 16.1.1935” (Law from 20.12.1934 / Uniforms must be visible with the protection mark of the RZM of the NSDAP - Order of 16.1.1935), and is numbered “121967” in black ink. The dome is lined in matching rust-coloured synthetic moisture-resistant fabric, sporting a diamond-shaped celluloid moisture shield, stamped on the lining in gold-coloured ink with large SS runes inside a circle, as well as “56” for sizing. The crown of the cap measures approximately 248 mm x 234 mm, with a 185 mm interior diameter. Overall, this cap has stood the test of time, and is exceptionally preserved, with only minor signs of gentle wear, in near mint condition.