Germany, NSKK. An Officer Ranks Kepi, by Clemens Wagner

(Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps Käppi für Offiziere). An extremely well-preserved Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (National Socialist Motor Corps/NSKK) Officer ranks kepi, constructed of an olive-drab whipcord wool cloth. It features a flat crown which is fully trimmed along the outer edge with a length of silver aluminum wire piping. Side panels surround the sides, and fasten in place at the front with a single aluminum button bearing a raised NSKK insignia. A smooth black wool cap band is visible beneath the panels, which are also trimmed along the top edge with silver aluminum wire piping. The cap band is flanked on each side by dual ventilation holes, all reinforced with black painted magnetic metal grommets. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a black rayon base overlaid by a machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire NSKK logo, measuring 75 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). The lower edge is flanked on each side by domed and black painted magnetic metal studs which accommodate an original multi-piece black leatherette chinstrap, adjusted with dual magnetic metal buckles and fastened together with a central ring. A protruding visor completes the exterior features, and is constructed of a reinforced card stock core fully lined in an identical olive-drab whipcord wool. A dark brown leather sweatband surrounds the interior, which is fully encompassed by a multi-piece olive-drab rayon liner. Stitched onto the crown is an intact transparent plastic rhomboid moisture guard which bears the maker’s mark of Clemens Wagner, Braunschweig, embossed onto the exterior of the guard and highlighted in silver. Also visible on the crown is a black ink size mark of “55”. The kepi measures approximately 17 cm (w) x 23.5 cm (l) x 13.5 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor material fatigue, this high-quality Officer’s kepi remains in an extremely fine condition.