Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An EM/NCO’s Shako, Owner-Attributed Example, by H. Becker & Co.

(Tschako für Mannschaften der Ordnungspolizei). A well-preserbed Ordnungspolizei EM/NCO’s shako, constructed of a sturdy vulcanfibre shell fully lined on the exterior with a layer of police-green wool. The crown is topped by a layer of flattened black vulcanfibre in a classic “coffee can” style, and is flanked on each side by dual ventilation holes covered by non-magnetic metal mesh. A hollow channel set into the peak accommodates an aluminum cockade measuring 42 mm (w) x 60 mm (h) as presented, which is affixed to a U-shaped stem and marked on the reverse with a maker’s logo of “S.R.M.” and a manufacture date of “1938”. Directly below the cockade, the front also retaining an aluminum Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of a circular oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 14.5 cm (w) x 18.5 cm (h) as presented. The lower edge is flanked by aluminum studs which retain a period original blackened leather chinstrap, itself adjusted with two buckles. The rim is reinforced with a black leather liner, while both the front and back features protruding black vulcanfibre visors. A brown leather liner surrounds the interior, with seven fingers perforated with five ventilation holes and additional holes accommodating a partial drawstring, with a narrow finger emanating from the back. The forehead is perforated with an array of ventilation holes. The crown retains a fully-intact maker’s mark of “H. BECKER, BERLIN”, with a size mark of “55”. Notably, the liner retains a fabric label bearing an owner’s name of “H. PAUL”. Measuring approximately 17 cm (w) x 23.5 cm (l) x 16 cm (h) (exclusive of cockade), the shako demonstrates issues consistent with age and wear, including fatigue of the wool liner and leather elements, significant denting of the cockade and eagle insignia, and some discoloration of the interior liner. An untouched example, very fine.