Germany. A Waffen SS Fez, Field Combat Version

This fez was worn with the field gray uniform for combat operations. Fabricated from a grayish-green drab felt, a multi-strand forest green tassel attached to the top via an upright roll of felt, with two strands stitched to the reverse. The front is adorned with a BeVo silver and black weaved SS skull and eagle above. Both are as original stitched. The exterior shows minimal wear, free of mothing. The interior features a 24 mm wide black leather sweatband stitched in place along the outer edge. An excellent example, better than extremely fine.

Footnote: This fez was worn by Bosnian Muslims who were members of the two Croatian SS Divisions (13th Handschar Waffen SS Division and the 23rd Kama Waffen SS Mountain Divisions). The name "Handschar" is a local word for the curved scimitar sword worn on the 13th Division collar patch, that unit performing anti-partisan duties in Yugoslavia.