Early DDR Schirm (should I take it or lead it?)

[Rik.S]

Good morning guys,

The DDR Schirm in the photos is for sale. It looks to be an early one and I am interested. There are just some things that give me some doubts.

First the Waffenfarbe, is it just normal NVA or Luftverteidigung? The mützenabzeichen seems wrong to me for this visor and also the ring inside that gives the visor its shape is missing.





So my question, should I go for it or keep looking for another one?
Thank you very much for your opinions.

Regards, Rik

[Blitzvogel]

Hello Rik,

This appears to be an early East German DRK (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz) schirmmütze. There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with it, seems original. But I'd wipe that visor clean, it's gotten a bit dirty.

-Joel

[Rik.S]

Thank you very much for your reply Joel.
I never even thought of the DRK, still learning about DDR uniforms and visors. You have taken away my doubts about the visor and I will try to get it.

Regards, Rik

[Blitzvogel]

No prob, I recommend checking out stonemint's sticky threads on this forum about DDR visors.

[Rik.S]

No prob, I recommend checking out stonemint's sticky threads on this forum about DDR visors.

Yes, you are right. Forgot the stickies and I know see that a DRK visor is in post #2.

[Rik.S]

I went for it and today the visor has arrived.
Finally I have a pre 1968 DDR schirm and I can see and feel the differences with the later period schirms.
The mützenabzeichen is a two-piece construction, the fabric feels and looks better then my 1980's examples and the visor is vulcanfibre. The schirm is bit squashed and I believe this is because of poor storage. But overall the cap is in great condition. I put some newspaper on the inside to shape it up a bit.

(click to enlarge)



Special thanks to Joel (Blitzvogel) for additional info and help.

Regards, Rik

[Blitzvogel]

An excellent purchase indeed Rik! Good job on cleaning the visor, it looks great now.

[HARRY THE MOLE]

A nice cap!