This is a rare Nebelwerfer/Rocket Troop officer’s visor cap. The exterior shell is constructed of field-gray Mützentrikot with correct bordeaux red piping around the crown, as well as the top and bottom edge of the cap band. The cap band itself is constructed of dark dark green “Flaschengrün” wool with a very even feel, and without bumps or holes. The visor is crafted out of Vulkanfiber, lacquered in black on the upper, and textured field-gray lacquering on the lower side. The insignia consist of a silvered tombac Wehrmacht cap eagle, with a Wehrmacht officer’s wreath directly below, constructed in bright silver-aluminum bullion wire on thick padded dark green wool, with a national tri-colour cockade in the center constructed of aluminum. The chin cord is crafted of twisted bullion cords and is attached to the cap via one pebbled metal (magnetic) button on each side of the cap. The inside of the cap is lined with champagne (mostly discoloured from sweat) coloured silk with traces of a sewn-in diamond (missing maker details) remaining. The edge of the interior of the cap features a (soiled) sweatband crafted out of a gray leather that is perforated toward the front of the cap. The cap measures 266 mm x 235 mm, with a 180 mm diameter for the cap size. This cap appears worn, displaying usual signs of wear, such as a discoloured liner from perspiration, a moderately soiled sweatband, with the overse and reverse of the vulkanfiber visor displaying some wear. The visor is loose due to torn threads, with the liner having become slightly detached from the cap on a few spots. The edge of the cap is also well worn. The exterior is very well preserved, with some minor signs of mothing. Overall fine condition. Scarce.
Footnote: The Wehrmacht Nebeltruppen (Smoke Troops) was a term used for a specialized artillery weapons. The term served to fool the observers from the League of Nations, who were observing possible breaches of the Treaty of Versailles, since the term “Nebelwerfer” implied a device intended for creating a smoke screen. However, Nebelwerfer (Smoke Mortar) were intended to deliver poison gas and high-explosive shells. (C:100)