WW2 Original German Unit Marked 1938 Dated Luftwaffe Flight Branch EM/NCO Schirmmütze Visor Cap by Gebrüder Alm Size 57
SKU: 833
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Gebrüder Alm
Date Manufactured: 1938
Insignia: Stamped or bullion Luftwaffe eagle and national cockade
Condition: Excellent
Price: $1495.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Code: IMA995
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This original Luftwaffe Flight Branch EM/NCO Schirmmütze (visor cap) remains in excellent condition and was manufactured by the respected Berlin-based firm Gebrüder Alm, a well-known supplier of Luftwaffe headgear. The cap retains its original crown stiffener, allowing it to maintain its proper shape without the typical side collapse often seen on surviving examples. As a result, it displays an attractive, slightly relaxed profile while preserving its overall structure.
Constructed from high-quality Luftwaffe blue gray Fliegerblau ("Flier's Blue") doeskin-weave wool, the cap features a wide black wool center band accented by three rows of gold-yellow Waffenfarbe piping denoting the Flight Branch. This branch encompassed aviators, ground personnel, and Fallschirmjäger (paratrooper) units.
The cap is fitted with its correct original metal insignia, including a finely detailed aluminum Luftwaffe eagle mounted above the visor and an aluminum oak-leaf wreath with stylized wings surrounding the national tri-color cockade. Both insignia remain in very good condition, with only minor wear to the paint on the cockade. The black patent-leather chinstrap, secured by black lacquered side buttons and indicative of enlisted personnel, remains intact and displays the expected age-related checking and cracking commonly encountered on period patent leather.
The visor retains its attractive glossy black finish and features the original stitched faux-leather edge trim. Constructed from pressed vulcanfibre with a green underside, it exhibits typical age-related crazing and checking but remains solidly attached to the cap body. The edge trim is complete and exceptionally well preserved.
Inside, the cap features a light beige canvas and oilcloth lining, complete with its original celluloid moisture shield, which remains fully intact and securely stitched in place. Beneath the shield, the crown bears the manufacturer's silver-stamped marking:
Gebr. Alm
Uniform-Mützen-Fabrik
Berlin SW.61
Kreuzbergstr. 30
1936
The size "57" is stamped above the maker's mark. The tan leather sweatband remains supple and well preserved, showing only light wear and service-related staining. On its underside appears a Luftwaffe unit marking reading:
Wi. Tr. T.
over
Ldsbg. / L.
While this marking has not yet been conclusively identified, it presents intriguing research potential for the advanced collector.
Overall, this Luftwaffe Flight Branch EM/NCO visor cap displays exceptionally well, with strong color retention, no visible moth damage, and only minor age-related wear consistent with its period. A highly attractive and authentic example from a respected manufacturer, this cap would make an excellent addition to any advanced Luftwaffe or WWII German headgear collection and is ready for display.
The visor cap (Schirmmütze) was a prominent element of the headgear worn by German military, civil, paramilitary, and political organizations during the Third Reich. It served as the standard cloth cap for service uniforms and was commonly worn both indoors and outdoors, often being mandatory for personnel while on duty.
Each organization had its own distinctive visor cap design, with additional variations identified through insignia, colored piping, chin cords, and other details that indicated rank, branch, or specific duties. The insignia ranged from simple stamped metal badges to highly intricate hand-embroidered emblems.
Visor caps were issued to enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers within the military and certain other organizations. Officers, however, were generally required to purchase their own caps. Many lower-ranking personnel also chose to buy privately made examples, which were often superior in quality to standard issue versions.
Privately purchased caps were typically crafted from premium materials and displayed a higher standard of workmanship. Manufacturers used a variety of fabrics, including trikot, doeskin, heavy wool, and lightweight white materials intended for summer wear.
Although the military largely discontinued issuing visor caps shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War, they remained in use among some units and personnel throughout the remainder of the conflict.
