Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Gendarmerie EM/NCO’s Shako, by Robert Lubstein

(Tschako für Männer der Gendarmerie). A well-preserved Gendarmerie EM/NCO’s shako, constructed of a sturdy matte black vulcanfibre shell with a protruding neck guard. The exterior of the canister is fully lined with a layer of fine Police-green wool. The shell is topped by a flattened glossed brown vulcanfibre crown, securely held in place with a row of machine stitching along the outer circumference. The crown is flanked on each side by dual ventilation holes, each featuring Police-green painted bronze mesh grommets. Set into the peak is a hollow channel into which is inserted a removable aluminum cockade, secured in place with a u-shaped prong, painted in a classic German black, white, and red tri-colour motif. Measuring 38 mm (w) x 64 mm (h), the reverse of the cockade is marked with a manufacture date of “1938” and initials “S.R.M.” for an unidentified manufacturer. Also overlaying the channel is a large aluminum insignia consisting of a circular oak leaf wreath, bearing a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 145 mm (w) x 80 mm (h). Aluminum studs emanate from each side, and secure in place a brown leather chinstrap, adjusted with functional aluminum buckles. When not in use, the chinstrap rests upon a protruding and downward-pointing vulcanfibre visor, finished in a glossed brown on the obverse and in green on the reverse. Completing the exterior features is a rim reinforcement consisting of a strip of boiled brown leather. The interior retains a fully-intact light brown leather liner, completing in nine fingers, each perforated with five ventilation holes, and an additional hole through which is looped a drawstring. The crown bears a legible maker’s mark of “ROBERT LUBSTEIN, BERLIN” and an Erel mark, indicating manufacture of the highest quality, topped by a size mark of “56 ½”. The shako measures approximately 170 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 165 mm (h) (not inclusive of cockade). Minor imperfections consistent with material fatigue or slight mothing are visible to the exterior wool, and the vulcanfibre features demonstrate minor scratching. The shako is in an overall extremely fine condition.