Original German WWII Named RAD National Labor Service EM/NCO M38 Wool Overseas Cap with Faded Markings

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice good service used example of a WWII German Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD - National Labor Service) M38 overseas cap (Schiffchen). 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 all branches of the Wehrmacht, as well as many civil organizations of the NSDAP.

This example is constructed of "earth brown" wool, with a white canvas lining, which shows overall staining and wear from use. There are faint stamped markings on both sides, with what looks like possibly an 11 38 date as well as what looks to be RAD BAR, probably a depot stamp from the RAD. There are more markings on the other side, and the central plate is marked on the interior with Soldat R. Drissner, presumably the name of the owner. The front features a fine BeVO- style machine embroidered RAD shovelhead insignia, which has a canted Swas (hook cross) in the middle, with 2 sheaves of wheat extending from the bottom at 45 degree angles. As there is no black piping on the top of the "scallop", it is a later style example.

Condition of this cap is good, showing wear from service and use, which gives it a fantastic "been there" look. Most of the fuzzy "nap" is still present on the exterior, however there is overall staining, particularly on the front insignia. The interior shows a bit more wear, with staining to the lining, which has worn away the markings for the most part.

A lovely service used example of an RAD Enlisted M38 cap, ready to research and display!

The basis of the RAD, Reichsarbeitsdienst, (National Labor Service), dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD (Anhalt Arbeitsdienst) and the FAD-B (Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern). Shortly after AH’s appointment as Chancellor in Jan 1933, the NSDAP consolidated all labor organizations into the NSAD (Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst), a national labor service, under the control of Reichsarbeitsführer Konstatin Hierl. It served as an agency to help mitigate the effects of unemployment on the German economy, militarize the workforce and indoctrinate it with NSDAP ideology. It was the official state labor service, divided into separate sections for men and women.

On June 26 1935 the NSAD was officially re-designated RAD, and from then onward, men aged between 18 and 25 may have served six months before their military service. During World War II compulsory service also included young women and the RAD developed to an auxiliary formation which provided support for the Wehrmacht armed forces.

In April 1934 Hierl had developed a uniform, including the distinctive "Robin Hood" style service cap. The design of the cap was based on a cross between a traditional style peasant cap and the traditional hunters cap. Originally the caps were issued with rank distinction piping with black piping for the EM/NCO ranks of Arbeitsmann to Truppführer, silver piping for company and field grade Officer’s ranks of Obertruppführer to Oberstarbeitsführer and gold piping for General Officer’s ranks of Generalarbeitsführer to Reichsarbeitsführer. In 1940 the use of the black piping for the EM/NCO ranks was discontinued but the silver and gold Officer’s piping remained in use until the end of the war.