WWII NAZI KM ADMIN WHITE TROPICAL OVERSEAS CAP WW2

Brushed white cotton/rayon blend construction overseas cap features fold down side and back panels with gently sloping, downward scallops to the front and forward sides. The front center of the cap has a machine embroidered national eagle in pale silvery/grey threads on a brushed white cotton/rayon blend base. The base of the eagle is folded in a triangular pattern and is neatly handstitched to the cap. The front center of the fold down panels has a machine embroidered national tri-color cockade, in black, white and red threads on a brushed white cotton/rayon blend diamond shaped base. The cockade is also neatly handstitched to the cap. Size inkstamp, "59". Scarce white tropical administrative overseas cap. German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. The Kriegsmarine overseas cap was originally introduced on November 10TH 1938 and was officially designated, Gefechtsmütze (Battle cap). This early pattern overseas cap was restricted for wear on ships by certain specific personnel. On October 7TH 1939 the cap underwent minor modifications, was re-designated, Bordmütze, (Board cap), and became a regular item for wear by all personnel both on and off ship for the duration of the war. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own caps and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the Kriegsmarine Kliederkasse, (Clothing Account), system. The Officers and senior NCO’s could choose to purchase their caps directly from the armed forces clothing depots or to privately purchase visor caps of higher quality. Officer ranks overseas caps were distinguished from EM/NCO’s by the addition of gilt piping around the forward edge of the flaps while administrative officials utilized silver piping. The Kriegsmarine originally used white uniforms and headgear as their tropical dress and had two separate brown tropical uniforms, with one developed before the war and one during the war. The white overseas cap followed the same pattern as the navy blue overseas cap and it is believed it was introduced in mid-1939, for wear by Junior NCO’s and EM’s on a restricted basis. Of Note: Further wear of the white cap was abolished by regulations of February 2ND 1940 but due to clothing shortages wear of the white cap was reinstated in 1942. Additional regulations stated specific times and areas where the white cap was permitted for wear.