HJ Bannfuhrer im Stab Schirmmütze

[Arran]

Thank you, Wilhelm. Do you think an early 1936 right-facing eagle could be worn on this cap?

[Wilhelm Saris]

Hardly. It should be the first form of eagle as worn by the SA, SS,
the smaller version. I have hardly seen photographs where the
1936 form was worn. But as always: things that were not ordered
were done!
But I think one will see the holes from the bigger eagle.

[Arran]

Stonemint, do you have any further info regarding the "wear-out period"? Were insignia updates permitted during this time as they were with NSDAP caps?

[Wilhelm Saris]

In the "Verordnungsblatt" from the HJ from November 6, 1936 it was said:

Führermütze mit dem neuen Hoheitsadler der PL (cap for leaders with a new national eagle emblem for political leaders). Nothing was said until when the old eagle form was allowed to be worn. Normally there was such a period.

In first instance this eagle was a left looking eagle, but in spring 1937 should
be the to the right looking version (as seen from the viewer). Since 1937 the
SA pattern of eagle with the larger wingspan (6.5 cm) was allowed to be worn,
but in many occasions the 1936/1937 form was never changed. Regulations so
mention a larger form and until 1938 this was an eagle with an about 5.6 cm
wingspan.

[Arran]

Thank you for the information Wilhelm!

[stonemint]

You can see pictures up thru at least 1938 where HJ-Leaders are still wearing the "old style" visors. I will see if I can dig some out.

[Arran]

You can see pictures up thru at least 1938 where HJ-Leaders are still wearing the "old style" visors. I will see if I can dig some out.

That would be much appreciated!

[stonemint]

Here is a pic (from behind) of the early style still being worn after the implementation of the final form:

[Arran]

Thanks for that pic, Stonemint. Well, I took a peek behind the later pattern eagle on my cap and the prongs were replaced with paperclips epoxied on! That eliminated any doubt that I should put the cap back as it had been originally, and here is the result. Thankfully no extra holes around the eagle! This pic gives a better indication of colour, too...

[stonemint]

Yup, that's how it would have originally looked--great job! Mine has a 3-pronged eagle which does not go thru the lining. I have no doubt mine was period done, so I am just going to leave as is.