Germany, RAD. A Reich Labour Service (RAD) Baden District EM/NCO’s Overseas Cap
(Reichsarbeitsdienst Schiffchen). An extremely well-preserved Reich Labour Service (RAD) overseas cap, constructed of olive-drab wool twill. The cap is fully surrounded by decorative fold-down side panels, which are securely held in place by a row of machine stitching. It is flanked on each side by ventilation holes reinforced with magnetic metal eyelets. Stitched into the left of the cap is an insignia in the form of a pine branch with dual pine cones. The insignia, measuring 55 mm (w) x 37 mm (h), is constructed of silvered feinzink and indicates Arbeitsgau XXVII (Baden). The exterior completes with a frontal insignia in the form of a multi-coloured, machine-embroidered RAD insignia measuring 42 mm (w) x 38 mm (h). The interior features a complete off-white cotton-blended liner, plain with the exception of an illegible maker’s mark on the left. It measures 260 mm (l) x 125 mm (h) when folded. Minor, age-appropriate material fatigue is evident, but the cap is in an overall near extremely fine condition.

