Germany, SA. An Early Service Kepi

(Sturmabteilung Schaftmütze). An early Sturmabteilung (SA) service kepi, constructed of khaki-tan cotton. It features a classic “coffee can” style canister surrounded by fold-down sidewalls. The former are rolled up and secured in place at the front with a removable magnetic metal button. Pinned onto the peak is an aluminum insignia consisting of an NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a blackened and wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 36 mm (w) x 30 mm (h). The cap is flanked on each side by brown painted magnetic metal studs which accommodate an original brown leather chinstrap, itself adjusted with dual functional magnetic metal buckles. A protruding visor completes the exterior features, and consists of a card stock core fully lined with identical cotton cloth. A partially-intact brown leather sweatband surrounds the interior, which is also fully encompassed by a slate-grey cotton/rayon liner. Unmarked, the kepi measures approximately 19 cm (w) x 23 cm (l) x 11 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and wear are evident throughout, and include moderate soiling throughout the base material, the replacement of the peak insignia with a period example that pierces the interior liner, and significant deterioration of the sweatband. Demonstrating the unmistakable signs of period use, this kepi remains in a very fine condition.