Germany, HJ. A Rare Visor Cap for Senior Ranks, by Martin Biel

(HJ Schirmmütze für Führer). An extremely well-preserved HJ visor cap for senior ranks (Bannführer and above), constructed of a khaki-tan wool cloth with a gentle whipcord weave. It features reinforced side walls fully lined on the exterior with a black doeskin cap band. Both the top and bottom edges of the band are trimmed with lengths of silver aluminum wire piping, with an additional band of identical piping surrounding the outer edge of the crown. Pinned onto the peak is a silvered insignia consisting of an HJ-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 65 mm (w) x 32 mm (h). Pinned onto the centre of the cap badge is an enameled HJ insignia measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). The cap band is flanked by buttons constructed of pebbled aluminum with magnetic metal cores, in turn accommodating a chinstrap constructed of multiple rows of twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire, adjusted with two sliding knots of identical construction. Completing the exterior features is a protruding vulcanfibre visor which is finished in a glossy black on the obverse and in matte brown on the reverse. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece light brown rayon liner, while a light brown leather sweatband surrounds the interior of the side walls, and is perforated across the forehead with an array of ventilation holes. The crown retains a transparent plastic rhomboid moisture guard, situated above a maker’s mark of “BIEL” for the Bad Hersfeld-based firm of Martin Biel. Measuring approximately 22.5 cm (w) x 26 cm (l) x 16.5 cm (h), the cap demonstrates minor issues consistent with age and period wear, including sporadic material fatigue to the exterior material, as well as scratching and flecking to the HJ insignia. This rare and privately-purchased cap remains in an extremely fine condition.