Germany, Kriegsmarine. An EM/NCO’s Board Cap, with U-Boat Traditions Badge

(Kriegsmarine Schiffchen für Mannschaften mit Traditionsabzeichen). An interesting Kriegsmarine EM/NCO’s board cap, constructed of dark navy blue wool. The cap is fully surrounded by side walls which gently slope toward the front. Stitched onto the left side is a gilded bronze insignia in the form of a polar bear in mid-stride. Measuring 40 mm (w) x 24 mm (h), this bear emblem was worn as a traditions badge by the crews of U-Boats U-108, U-405, and U-3015. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece cotton/rayon blended cloth liner. Stamped onto the right side is a size mark of “59”. Otherwise unmarked, the cap measures approximately 29 cm (l) x 12 cm (h) when folded on a flat surface. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include moderate material fatigue throughout the exterior material with deliberate removal of the peak insignia, in addition to some soiling to the interior liner. This field-worn and experienced example belonging to a U-Boat crewman remains in a very fine condition.