WW2 Original German Heer Army Named Medical EM/NCO Schirmmütze Visor Crush Cap - Size 58cm
SKU: 834
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: unidentified
Date Manufactured: 1940's
Size: 58cm
Insignia: stamped aluminum Wehrmacht eagle mounted above an open aluminum wreath surrounding an aluminum national cockade
Named: "Gefr. Klug, Josef."
Condition: Excellent
Price: $1,395.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Code: IMA695
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This outstanding example of a German WWII Wehrmacht Heer Medical EM/NCO Schirmmütze (visor cap) displays the highly sought-after "crushed" appearance favored by collectors. The distinctive rumpled, saddle-shaped profile was achieved by removing the internal crown support ring, creating the relaxed field-worn look commonly associated with veteran-issued caps.
Constructed from classic feldgrau (field-gray) whipcord wool, the cap features a dark flaschengrün (bottle-green) badge cloth center band and the traditional high-forward crown. Matching medizinblau (medical blue) Waffenfarbe piping accents the crown edge and both sides of the band, identifying the wearer as a member of the Sanitätstruppe (Military Medical Service).
The cap is adorned with a finely detailed stamped aluminum Wehrmacht eagle mounted above an open aluminum wreath surrounding an aluminum national cockade. All insignia remain in excellent condition, retaining much of their original brightness, while the cockade's red center remains vivid and attractive. A black leather dual-buckled chinstrap, denoting enlisted or NCO rank, is secured by black lacquered side buttons. The chinstrap exhibits expected age-related finish deterioration, including checking and crazing of the patent leather surface.
The vulcanfibre visor retains its smooth black leather-look finish on the upper surface, showing only moderate edge wear consistent with service use. The underside features the standard brown checkered finish. Age has produced an attractive pattern of light crazing and checking across the visor, enhancing the cap's authentic period character.
Inside, the cap is lined with brown service-cloth material that remains in very good condition, displaying only light wear and minor staining. The original celluloid diamond sweat shield is largely intact with its stitching still present. Although no manufacturer marking can be found, a faint size stamp of "58" is visible beneath the sweat shield. A small paper insert remains tucked into the name tag pocket and appears to bear the inscription "Gefr. Klug, Josef."
The brown oilcloth sweatband has become fragile with age and now exhibits typical cracking, flaking, and several tears, all consistent with long-term storage and natural material deterioration.
Overall, this cap presents exceptionally well, offering a genuine lightly worn appearance with excellent display appeal. Aside from minor color fading consistent with age and service use, it remains free from significant moth damage or misuse-related issues. Its attractive field-worn profile, strong insignia, and desirable medical branch colors make it an excellent representative example of a WWII German Medical EM/NCO visor cap.
The German Schirmmütze (Visor Cap)
The Schirmmütze served as a key component of the uniforms worn by German military, civil, paramilitary, and political organizations during the Third Reich. As the standard cloth service headgear, it was worn both outdoors and indoors and was often mandatory while personnel were on duty.
Each organization utilized distinctive visor cap designs, frequently differentiated through branch-color piping, insignia, chinstrap or chin cord styles, and other identifying features denoting rank, role, or service branch. Insignia ranged from simple stamped-metal devices to elaborate hand-embroidered examples.
Enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers typically received issued caps, while officers were generally required to purchase their own. Private-purchase examples often featured superior craftsmanship and higher-quality materials than standard issue versions. Manufacturers produced these caps in a variety of fabrics, including trikot, doeskin, fine wool, and lightweight summer materials.
Although wartime production priorities led to a reduction in visor cap issuance after the outbreak of World War II, many personnel continued to wear them throughout the conflict, making the Schirmmütze one of the most recognizable and iconic pieces of German military headgear from the period.
