Germany, SS. A First Pattern Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s Overseas Cap

(Waffen-SS Schiffchen). An extremely well-preserved first pattern Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s overseas cap, constructed of field-grey wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side walls which are scalloped toward the front. Stitched onto the left side of the panels is an insignia consisting of an elongated black wool triangular backer, in turn bearing a machine-embroidered, silver-grey, SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 80 mm (w) x 32 mm (h) overall. Affixed to the front of the panels directly below the peak is a button, constructed of grey-painted bronze, bearing a raised SS-style Totenkopf. Secured in place with a magnetic metal bracket which fits through the button’s lug, it is marked on the reverse with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M5/8” for F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece field-grey cotton/rayon-blended liner, which is stamped on the crown with a size mark of “56” and an illegible maker’s mark. The cap measures approximately 29 cm (l) x 11 cm (h) when folded on a flat surface. Minor, sporadic spots of material fatigue are visible to the exterior wool, and the lower edge of the interior liner demonstrates minor soiling consistent with field wear. It remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.