Bruno Zins

[stonemint]

I do not specialize in Kepis, but this maker mark has been the subject of some controversy. Zins-marked Kepis seem to be almost limited to NSFK, with one example having been posted for SS (also a Kepi).

Bob, I am particularly interested in your thoughts on these:

[stonemint]

Another Zins:

[stonemint]

Another

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NSFK Officer

[stonemint]

This was a Zins Kepi sold by Gottlieb some years ago. According to him, it is Zins stamped behind the leather sweatband:

The National Socialist Flying Corps served to allow those individuals wanting to learn to fly powered and unpowered aircraft the opportunity. The organization was formed in the 30s under General Christianson, and wore a brown SA style shirt and blue/grey wool kepi. This is a scarce original that is a bit 'salty, but was worn by a member of the organization. The cap is bluer grey than the photographs appear, and the color is very similar to that subsequently worn by the Luftwaffe. The form and construction are similar to that of the SA kepi, but the NSFK version was all wool and was piped in yellow. The distinctive eagle is present, and while it's missing one prong, it's still solidly attached. The lining is blue grey polished cotton with a size marking '57', the sweatband is leather and is maker marked on the back to 'Bruno Zins'. The black leather chinstrap is still present. It has developed some cracking near the buckle but is still solidly attached. The cap spring is still present. The kepi would benefit from a bit of steaming and resting on a headform to reshape it, but it's in solid condition. There are a few moth nips, but nothing detractive. There are a number of NSFK kepis up for sale, however most that I've seen on the market have been copies. This one is a looker, scarce, and a lovely original that would look stupendous displayed with a NSFK dagger!

[stonemint]

This is another Zins that was sold on Ebay some time ago. Note the rayon lining.

[stonemint]

I ran a search through the German historic address book, and nothing came up for the company (although the book is incomplete).

No Zins in Berlin, either. Anyone have an RZM listing for this company?

[Friedrich-Berthold]

Z I N S HAD AN RZM LICENSE TO MAKE CAPS IN A CAP FACTORY, CA EARLY 1935......UNDER THE RUBRIC A 1.



His firm was at Winstrasse 12 Berlin, NO 55 when the RZM handbook was compiled. He was listed under A 1, in fact, i.e. Muetzenfabrik. I do note the address is elsewhere in these items, but do keep in mind that especially in the North East of Berlin, i.e. the garment district, the theft of Jewish property in this particular area led to the relocation of many firms to such premises. Such was the case with Lubstein, even though the heirs and Mr. Wilkins are happy to deny such a fact.
The NSFK is not listed in the 1934/5 directives and laws governing the marking of items, as the organization came into existence later.
Considering the enormous expense of my RZM handbook, I should charge between 350 and 450 USD each time I use it....or expect a favor in kind.
On line resources can never eclipse the real thing.
I owned one NSFK kepi. It came from the Al Ex collection and went to Shea, who disposed of it. It had no RZM tag, in fact.
Bob Coleman is my kepi man, bar none.

THE ILLUSTRATION IS OF ANOTHER RZM HANDBOOK THAN MINE AND ILLUSTRATES DIENSTKLEIDUNG LICENSED FIRMS IN ZWICKAU......

[Friedrich-Berthold]

I also have a Berlin telephone book, and I can see if the address changed. In any case, Zins was an RZM licensed maker in the era.

[BOB COLEMAN]

Bruno Zins was a period cap manufacturer. He seemed to have the market cornered on the NSFK kepis. I would say over 95% of those that I have seen are by Zins. I have two in my collection. The first NSFK kepi I bought back in the mid 60's was a Zins. No one knew what it was back then and some thought it was a bad copy of a SA kepi made in the wrong color! They never figured out that the gun dealer selling it had four NSFK athletic shirts on his table and all had come from the same vet.
I do not like the SS Zins kepi as with a RZM tag, there should not be any manufacturer's logo attached.