Original German WWII Luftwaffe EM-NCO Wool M38 Overseas Cap with Period Repairs - Schiffchen

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely service worn example of a German WWII Luftwaffe M38 Overseas cap (Schiffchen), as worn by Enlisted men and NCOs (EM-NCO). It looks to have seen long service during the war, and definitely has a great "been there" look that is impossible to duplicate, especially with the period repairs! The overseas cap, nicknamed in German military slang as "Schiffchen", or literally "little ship" as it resembled an up-turned row-boat, was standard issue for the Luftwaffe for most occasions.

The cap is constructed of the correct Luftwaffe Fliegerblau (Flyer's Blue) blue gray wool exterior, and features a fine embroidered eagle over an embroidered tri-color cockade sewn to the front. These are only stitched to the outer layer of fabric, which means they were sewn on during production. It features blue gray canvas lining, which shows overall staining and wear, with some fraying around the bottom, as well as a tear on the right side. These happened during service, and similar material was used to install two large rectangular patches, one on either side, which were machine stitched with the correct material, most likely at a field workshop. We were not able to see any markings on the interior, and it measures 27.5cm from front to back on the exterior.

Overall condition is very good, though the original fuzzy "nap" of the fabric on the exterior is mostly worn away, only really preserved now under the flaps and inside the top pleat, where the original color is also better preserved. There is also a stitch across the top to help it sit better. A lovely "salty" service worn cap that was "really there", ready to add to your collection!

Side Cap
A side cap is a military cap that can be folded flat when not being worn. It is also known as a garrison cap or flight cap in the United States, wedge cap in Canada, or field service cap in the United Kingdom. In form the side cap is comparable to the glengarry, a folding version of the Scottish military bonnet. It has been associated with various military forces since the middle of the 19th century, as well as various civilian organizations.