Germany, SS. A 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar (1st Croatian) Dress Fez

(Waffen-SS Fes für Mannschaften der 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS „Handschar“ (kroatische Nr. 1.)). A very well-preserved dress fez for a member of the 13th Waffen Mountain Division of the SS Handschar (1st Croatian), constructed of a maroon rabbit fur felt. The crown is topped by an integral shaft with a multi-piece black rayon tassel which hangs down over the fez’s side wall. Stitched onto the peak are dual insignia, with the top consisting of a black rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered Waffen-SS style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 60 mm (w) x 30 mm (h) overall. Beneath the eagle is a black rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey SS-style Totenkopf, with details highlighted in black threading, measuring 35 mm (w) x 32 mm (h) overall. The interior features a fully-intact brown leather sweatband measuring 45 mm in width. A size mark of “59” is visible on the reverse of the sweatband. Otherwise unmarked, the fez measures approximately 22 cm (w) x 14 cm (h) as configured for wear. Demonstrating only minor soiling and material fatigue consistent with both age and wear, it remains in a near extremely fine condition.