Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Schutzpolizei Shako for Officer Ranks, with Parade Plume

(Polizei Tschako für Offiziere der Schutzpolizei). An extremely well-preserved Schutzpolizei shako for Officer ranks, constructed of a sturdy vulcanfibre shell which is fully lined in classic police-green wool felt. 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 a period cockade, constructed of reinforced black doeskin base, with the cockade itself constructed of aluminum wire with a red wool centrepiece, measuring 40 mm (w) x 68 mm (h) emanating from a U-shaped post. Also inset into the channel is a silver-grey hair plume. Riveted to the peak is an aluminum Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of a semi-circular oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 135 mm (w) x 80 mm (h). Two aluminum medallions flank the lower edge for the inclusion of a chinstrap, constructed of a blackened leather base topped by lobster tail-style aluminum chinscales. A protruding vulcanfibre visor and neck guard emanate from the front and back, respectively, and are finished in black on the obverse and in green on the reverse. The interior  features a scalloped light brown leather sweatband surrounding the side walls, with a two-piece retractable silver-grey rayon liner covering the crown. A size mark of “57” is stamped onto the sweatband. Otherwise unmarked, the shako measures approximately 19.5 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 16 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor signs of wear and fatigue, this scarce and untouched example remains in an extremely fine condition.