Early Grey Service Cap with Runes

**BenVK** · 03-01-2013, 07:57 PM

Not a very catchy title but rather a nice hat.

This is the first SS hat I've bought in a long time.
I've always wanted a grey cap with the runes on the lining but you'd never believe where I got this one from, I couldn't quite fathom it myself.
Story goes that this was found in Berchtesgaden by a 101st airborne vet. I don't know if that's true or not, I just know that the hat is authentic. It does need some restoration however as the sweatband is loose and has been glued in places but that was a long time ago.
For those who care about such things, the eagle is a Zinc M1/72 Zimmermann and the TK is an Overhoff M1/24.

I now know that 59 is the perfect size for me.
Does that mean I've got a big head?

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-01-2013 07:57 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**M18922** · 03-01-2013, 08:36 PM

Excellent cap Ben, Well done on finding this one.

Cheers, Pat

**BenVK** · 03-01-2013, 08:53 PM

Thanks Pat, it's actually a very interesting hat because even though it's of a pre-war era, the woolen cloth is poor quality and very much like the cloth that we'd associate with late war demands and restrictions. It's expertly put together however.

**M18922** · 03-01-2013, 08:59 PM

That is interesting. I added a photo. Out of interest.

Cheers, Pat

**stonemint** · 03-01-2013, 08:59 PM

Ben, "eagle-eyed" doesn't even begin to describe your ability to spot this--a remarkable find for a remarkable collector.....

**Friedrich-Berthold** · 03-01-2013, 09:03 PM

Well done, Ben. I have seen a handful like this.

**BenVK** · 03-01-2013, 09:07 PM

Doh, thanks Chris but an even bigger thanks to you my friend for helping me!

**BenVK** · 03-01-2013, 09:08 PM

by Friedrich-Berthold

Well done, Ben. I have seen a handful like this.

Me too but only a handful.

**Friedrich-Berthold** · 03-01-2013, 09:10 PM

I own an officer's one, in which the runes are obscured, but they were there. I have seen maybe three or four of the enlisted/NCO ones, but the grey with the silverish runes is a good thing. Bob Coleman has one like yours, too, actually. Bruce Herman has had a couple, and Whammond has had a couple, and one I should have bought that I posted.
In any case, well done. When you are fed up with it, do tell me.
Glad you are adding to your fine collection.
This piece has a nice patina. It is not worn out, as often happens.

**BenVK** · 03-01-2013, 09:18 PM

You're correct, it's actually in fine condition, much better than I could have hoped for.

Maybe you'd be so kind as to explain whether this cap could be SS-VT or TV, I'm never quite sure of the differences when it comes to uniforms.