Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An Ordnungspolizei EM/NCO’s Shako, by Friedrich Becker & Co.

(Tschako für Männer der Ordnungspolizei). 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 maker marked “E. HAHN, OBERSTEIN” with a manufacture date of “1938”.. 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 a fully 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 “FRIEDRICH BECKER & CO., BERLIN”. The shako measures approximately 185 mm (w) x 240 mm (l) x 180 mm (h) (when the cockade is inserted). With only slight signs of scratching and material fatigue to the shell, it is in an overall extremely fine condition.