Early Heer Infanterie Schiffchen

[TWS]

I saw the notification that you had commented Jean-Philippe, and I thought "oh, here we go..." and I was not disappointed when I opened it up and read.

I experienced the same regarding your observation and opinion of the air vent/grommet metal when the cap arrived. I expected them to be of brass. Aside from that, I didn't have any concerns. However, I will say I am no expert on these, not even a specialist. Perhaps odd, perhaps not, but I have a 1940 dated Schiffchen with brass grommets.

In hand, there do appear to be traces where the stitches on the front flap were. I can attempt to capture those in a photo if there is interest. As for the wool material, I had no concerns due to the variances you mentioned. I have another cap that is clearly dated 1936 and the material is quite similar. Darker hue to the wool because it wasn't washed like this one evidently was and the stamp is therefore pretty much crystal clear.

I wouldn't rule out early insignia applied to a later cap. The cap itself is clearly original. If it's not, I'll eat it.

[TWS]

Here's the traces of the removed stitching that held the front flap to the body of the cap. There is actually a tear on one side where the missing stitches would have been ripped out (more evident if I press from inside the cap but here I'm just holding it up) and a remnant of thread below on that side. Click to enlarge.

[TWS]

I'm eager to learn and to further the discussion here is my 1936 dated cap. It's not the best "prototypical" example as it has been heavily modified. It was an issue cap upgraded for officer wear and even further customized. It does show the expected brass grommets for a '36 dated cap. The stitches holding the front flap were removed like the subject cap of this thread. No doubt necessary to apply the officer's silver piping to the front scallop. It also has officer's bullion rosette and flatwire eagle replacing the enlisted issue insignia. Inside, it was modified by having part of the spine cut off for comfort and had an addition of a partial (front) sweatband and the officer's name tag. Please pardon the moth damage. I like the cap despite that because of its heavy customization.

[TWS]

Persuant to discussion via PM, a photo of the remnants of the stitching that held the front flap to the body of the cap.

Also, better views of the traces of the interior stamp as a bonus.