Germany, RAD. An Officer’s Cloth Cap

(Reichsarbeitsdienst Tuchmütze). An extremely well-preserved Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service/RAD) Tuchmütze (cloth vap), constructed of olive-drab whipcord wool. The cap is surrounded by side panels which gently slope downward near the front. A length of silver aluminum wire piping trims the top edge of the panels, which fold back to reveal an olive-drab rayon underlay. A grey-brown wool cap band is embroidered to the front, and is pinned with a metal alloy badge displaying a silvered and enameled RAD insignia, measuring 45 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). The crown is flanked on each side by dual ventilation holes, all reinforced with magnetic metal grommets. A protruding visor completes the exterior features, and consists of a reinforced card stock core fully lined in identical olive-drab whipcord wool, topped by a silver aluminum wire tresses across the midsection of the obverse. A wide brown leather sweatband surrounds the interior, which is also encompassed by a multi-piece beige rayon liner. Unmarked, the cap measures approximately 20 cm (w) x 26.5 cm (l) x 15 cm (h). Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, this high-quality Officer’s example remains in an extremely fine condition.

Footnote: From the collection of Andreas Thies.