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

(Tschako für Mannschaften der Gendarmerie). A well-preserved Gendarmerie (Rural Police) EM/NCO’s shako, constructed of a curved black vulcanfibre shell. The exterior is fully lined with a layer of smooth Police-green wool. Dual ventilation holes flank the sides, each featuring a non-magnetic metal mesh screen. The crown is topped by a flattened lacquered brown vulcanfibre “coffee can” topper, secured held in place by a row of machine stitching around the outer circumference. Riveted to the peak is an aluminum Ordnungspolizei insignia consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The peak insignia measures 130 mm (w) x 85 mm (h). Directly above the eagle, a hollow channel is set into the liner into which is inserted an aluminum tricolour cockade, maker marked on the reverse “S.R.M.” for an unidentified manufacturer, above a partially-legible 1930s period date. Each side of the canister is flanked by an aluminum stud and ring accommodating a brown leather chinstrap, adjusted with dual functional aluminum buckles. When not in use, the chinstrap rests upon a narrow vulcanfibre visor, finished in brown on the obverse and in green on the reverse. An additional visor of identical construction emanates from the back, providing partial neck protection to the wearer. Completing the exterior features is a brown leather band set around the entirety of the rime, secured in place with a row of machine stitching. A fully-intact khaki-tan brown leather liner is retained on the interior, completing in nine fingers. Each finger is perforated with five ventilation holes, set around a central hole through which is looped an original brown leather drawstring to ensure a stable fit on the wearer’s head. The crown bears a pristine maker’s mark of “ROBERT LUBSTEIN, BERLIN”, with an additional Erel mark, topped by a size mark of “58”. The shako measures approximately 200 mm (w) x 255 mm (l) x 165 mm (h) (inclusive of cockade). Some issues consistent with age and wear are evidence, and include cracking and fatigue of the vulcanfibre features, along with slight interior soiling. It is in an overall near extremely fine condition.