Germany, Schutzpolizei. An Officer’s Shako, By J.a. Hierteis

(Tschako für Offiziere der Schutzpolizei). A rare and very well-preserved Schutzpolizei Officer’s shako, constructed of a solid black vulcanfibre shell. The sides are fully lined in a classic police-style grey-blue wool twill, with the shell protruding into a gentle slope at the reverse, offering neck protection for the wearer. Affixed to the crown is a flattened and black lacquered vulcanfibre “coffee can” style fixture, securely held in place by a row of machine stitching around the circumference. The crown is also flanked on each side by two large ventilation holes, all of which are reinforced with non-ferrous metal grommets and covered by mesh screens of identical construction. The peak of the shako features a large silvered bronze insignia consisting of a raised German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, in turn overlaying an oval oak leaf wreath. The eagle insignia measures 150 mm (w) x 90 mm (h) overall. A reinforced slit is set into the wool just above the eagle, accommodating a removable cockade constructed of padded silver aluminum wire with a red wool centrepiece and blade wool reverse liner.

The cockade measures 38 mm (w) x 65 mm (h) and is affixed to a malleable bronze wire stand. Flanking each side of the shall are rounded and ribbed bronze rivets which secure in place a two-piece silvered bronze chain link-style chinstrap, which fastens together with a sliding clip, and conceals an additional strap constructed of black leather for added comfort. A narrow, sharply downward-pointing black vulcanfibre visor is secured to the front of the shako, with an additional visor of identical construction set into the reverse. The exterior features are completed with an intact black leather liner secured to the rim. A 60 mm-wide brown leather sweatband circumscribes the interior, and features a scalloped cut at the top. A two-piece light brown rayon liner sits at the top of the sweatband, opening in the centre with reinforced seams which contain a malleable insert allowing for even snap-style closure. The liner peels back to reveal plain black vulcanfibre shell walls, with the crown retaining a fully intact and legible maker’s label reading “J.A. HIEREIS, FÜRTH-NÜRNBERG”. The shako measures approximately 185 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 150 mm (h) (not inclusive of cockade). Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and including some loss of finish to the insignia, as well as slight material fatigue to the leather and vulcanfibre features. This rare Officer’s shako is in an overall near extremely fine condition.