A 2Nd Pattern M40 Waffen-Ss Em/Nco’s “Schiffchen” Overseas Cap

This is a unique overseas cap was purchased from a returning veteran with an interesting history behind it. The cap is constructed of field-grey wool with fold-down side and back panels with gently sloping, downward scallops to the front. It features a single white machine stitched seam along the outer edge of the cap, and double white machine stitched seams along the upper of the panels. At the front center is a set of matching BeVo SS insignia, consisting of a machine embroidered Waffen-SS eagle on a black backer, and a machine embroidered Waffen-SS skull. Both are crudely sewn to the cap crudely with olive-green thread (see footnote). The inside is lined in an olive-drab coloured cotton/rayon blend fabric, with some traces of the manufacturer’s stamp still remaining, but illegible. The cap measures approximately 295 mm x 120 mm (folded). The inside of the cap is partially soiled and slightly salty from wear, the insignia appear worn but overall well preserved, with some light scattered mothing throughout. Overall, this is a well preserved veteran purchase Waffen-SS cap with an interesting and unique story.

Footnote: This cap stems from a member of the Waffen-SS who was captured by American allied forces at the end of the Second War, at which point he was likely forced to remove the machine-attached Waffen-SS insignia. It appears that following his release from US internment, he himself re-attached the insignia to his cap using a field repair kit before he immigrated to the US in the 1950’s. (C:45)