Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS Infantry Officer’s Visor Cap, by Ferdinand Erdt

(Schirmmütze für Offizier der Waffen-SS). A rare and very well-preserved Waffen-SS Infantry Officer’s visor cap, constructed of field-grey whipcord wool. The cap features reinforced side walls, fully lined on the exterior with a black doeskin wool cap band. A band of white wool Waffenfarbe piping trims the crown, with two additional lengths of additional piping trimming both the top and bottom edges of the cap band. Pinned onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a SS-style German national eagle. Constructed of cupal, the eagle is marked on the reverse with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and bears the physical characteristics of manufacture by Ferdinand Wagner, Pforzheim. It retains both of its reverse attachment prongs and measures 70 mm (w) x 35 mm (h). Pinned into the centre of the cap band just underneath the eagle is a first pattern, Danziger-style SS Totenkopf constructed of a silvered metal alloy. Measuring 33 mm (w) x 30 mm (h), it retains both of its reverse attachment prongs. Underneath the Totenkopf, the cap band is perforated with four ventilation holes, each reinforced with black magnetic metal eyelets. The cap band is also flanked with pebbled aluminum buttons, securing in place a decorative chinstrap constructed of multiple rows of twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire. It features a slidable knot of identical construction at each end, and rests upon a protruding black vulcanfibre visor. The visor is finished in a glossed black on the obverse, and in a matte light brown on the reverse. The interior bears a 45 mm-wide brown leather sweatband, securely held in place by a row of machine stitching, and perforated with an array of ventilation holes near the forehead. A light gold rayon-blended liner fully encompasses the interior, and features a silky finish. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is a transparent plastic moisture guard, underneath which is stamped a maker’s mark of “FERD. ERDT MILITÄREFFEKTEN, KAUFBEUREN”. Below the maker’s mark is an additional mark of “FRISCHLUFT” (“FRESH AIR”), corresponding to the aforementioned exterior ventilation holes, with a DRGM number of “1419757”. The cap measures approximately 250 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 175 mm (h). It displays some issues consistent with age and use, including minor material fatigue to the wool, loss of finish to the exterior insignia, and some interior soiling. Additionally, the Totenkopf appears to have been replaced, with detachment of the reverse oilcloth flap behind the ventilation holes, leaving the Totenkopf’s prongs to hold it in place. The cap is in an overall better than very fine condition.