Germany, Luftwaffe. A Rare 1st Fallschirm-Panzer Division Hermann Göring EM/NCO’s Visor Cap, by Schellenberg

(Luftwaffe Schirmmütze für Mannschaften der Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1. Hermann Göring). A rare and exceptionally well-preserved visor cap for Enlisted personnel and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) of the 1st Fallschirm-Panzer Division Hermann Göring. Constructed of a classic Luftwaffe dark blue-grey wool base, the cap features reinforced side walls which are lined on the exterior with a ribbed black mohair cap band. Both the top and bottom edges of the band are trimmed with lengths of white wool piping, while an additional identical piping fully surrounds the outer edge of the crown. Notably, the cap’s original internal wire reinforcement has been removed by the owner, giving the cap a classic (but non-regulation) “Sattelform” appearance favoured by Wehrmacht personnel. Pinned onto the peak is an aluminum insignia in the form of a Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 66 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) and retaining both of its original attachment prongs. Pinned onto the centre of the cap band directly below the eagle is a matching aluminum insignia in the form of a combined wreath and cockade, measuring 120 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Blackened magnetic metal studs flank the lower edge of the cap band to accommodate a multi-piece black leatherette chinstrap, adjusted with dual functional magnetic metal buckles. A protruding vulcanfibre visor completes the exterior features, and is finished in a matte black. The interior is encompassed by a multi-piece silver-grey rayon linder, while a wide grey leather sweatband surrounds the interior of the side walls and is perforated across the forehead with ventilation holes. An intact transparent plastic moisture guard is affixed to the crown, and bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL SCHELLENBERG” for the noted and prolific Berlin-based manufacturer of headgear, with a hollow slot for the insertion of a nametag. Additional aluminum oval medallions are pinned onto the sweatband, bearing raised initials “SF”. Measuring approximately 22 cm (w) x 27.5 cm (h) x 16 cm (h), the cap demonstrates minor soiling and material fatigue to the interior consistent with wartime field wear, but shows no notable damage. A scarce and untouched example to a desirable Panzer unit, it remains in an extremely fine condition.