Germany, NSDAP. A Political Leader’s Visor Cap, Gau-Level

(NSDAP Schirmmütze für Politische Leiter der Gauleitung). A very well-preserved Gau-level NSDAP Political Leader’s visor cap, constructed of light brown wool with a pronounced whipcord weave. It features reinforced side walls which are lined on the exterior with a brown doeskin cap band. Both the top and bottom edges of the band are trimmed with Burgundy-red piping, while an additional length of identical piping surrounds the outer edge of the crown. Pinned onto the peak is a gilded alloy NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 65 mm (w) x 35 mm (h) and retaining all original attachment prongs. Directly below the eagle, the centre of the cap band is pinned with a multi-piece wreath and cockade constructed of a gilded metal alloy with enamels, measuring 110 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. The lower edge of the cap band is flanked by gilded and pebbled magnetic metal buttons which accommodate a chinstrap constructed of twisted and rolled golden celleon piping. A protruding vulcanfibre visor completes the exterior features, and is finished in brown on the obverse and reverse. A multi-piece beige rayon liner encompasses the interior, while the crown retains a transparent plastic rhomboid moisture guard which is inserted with a paper label bearing a size mark of “54”. The sweatband folds down to reveal an intact Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) label bearing a maker’s code of “4”. The cap measures approximately 23.5 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 25 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and refurbishment are evident, and include modification of the interior liner and possible replacement of both the eagle and chinstrap. The cap remains in a better than very fine condition.