Germany, Schutzpolizei. An EM/NCO’s Shako, by H. Becker & Co.

(Schutzpolizei Tschako). An extremely well-preserved Schutzpolizei EM/NCO’s shako, constructed of a sturdy matte black vulcanfibre shell with a protruding neck guard. The shell is topped by a flattened black 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 blackened bronze mesh grommets. Affixed to the peak is a hollow pressed black leather channel through 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. The reverse of the cockade is notably maker marked “F.W. ASSMANN & SÖHNE, LÜDENSCHEID”, topped by the firm’s logo. 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). Silvered bronze studs emanate from each side, and secure in place a black 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 matte black on the obverse and in green on the reverse. Completing the exterior features is a rim reinforcement consisting of a strip of boiled blackened leather. The interior retains an intact brown leather liner, completing in nine fingers, each perforated with a hole through which is looped a drawstring. The crown bears a fully-legible maker’s mark reading “H. BECKER & CO., G.M.B.H, BERLIN”. The shako measures approximately 185 mm (w) x 265 mm (l) x 185 mm (h) (when the cockade is inserted). Minor, age-appropriate issues are evident, and primarily consist of fatigue to the leather features, but the shako is in an overall near extremely fine condition.