Germany, Weimar Republic. A Niedersachsen Polizei EM/NCO’s Shako

(Polizei Tschako). An extremely well-preserved Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) Polizei EM/NCO’s shako, constructed of a sturdy glossed 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 Weimar-style black, gold, and red tri-colour motif. The reverse of the cockade is notably maker marked “F.W. ASSMANN & SÖHNE, LÜDENSCHEID”, topped by the firm’s logo. Also overlaying the channel is a large aluminum insignia consisting of a 12-pointed radiant star overlaid by a central Niedersachsen coat of arms. The insignia measures 110 mm (w) x 110 mm (h). Aluminum 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 an intact brown leather liner, completing in nine fingers, each perforated with a hole through which is looped a drawstring. It presents plain, with the exception of a black ink size mark of “55”. Otherwise unmarked, the shako measures approximately 185 mm (w) x 240 mm (l) x 195 mm (h) (with the cockade in place). With only slight signs of material fatigue evident, it is in an overall extremely fine condition.