Article about: Stonemint, that is one truly exceptional cap, in excellent condition, who knows it could even be the one in the photo, ive never heard or even seen one before now, it has always amazed me ju
This hat is extremely rare, and in fact, is the only one I know of in the world (at least for an officer-equivalent rank.) It is also one of the very few true color-piped Luftwaffe officer visors as well (ie, not an NCO with added Officer insignia--this one was factory-made).
It is for a Feuerschutzbeamte of the Fliegerhorstfeuerwehren, or Air Field Fire Brigades. These guys were the ones responsible for damage control and fire-extinguishing as a result of air raids, accidents, or damaged planes coming back.
Only 2 ranks could wear this visor, which accounts for its scarcity--Brandmeister and Hauptbrandmeister.
“Show me the regulation, and I’ll show you the exception.”
Re: A True Color-Piped Luftwaffe Erel Officer's Visor
The hat is an early Erel, but the date has worn off. Like a civilian member of the Feuerwehr, the body is dark-blue wool (in this case doeskin) with carmine piping.
There is a common myth that "Standard"-class visors did not get the Erel vented cockade, but this one has one. It is also just as heavily-padded as any of my "Privat"-class visors as well.
“Show me the regulation, and I’ll show you the exception.”
Re: A True Color-Piped Luftwaffe Erel Officer's Visor
A major difference between this and your standard LW officer's hat is the fact that it has a Heer-style visor, but more importantly, a black wool band (not ribbed mohair or velvet):
“Show me the regulation, and I’ll show you the exception.”
Re: A True Color-Piped Luftwaffe Erel Officer's Visor
Stonemint, that is one truly exceptional cap, in excellent condition, who knows it could even be the one in the photo, ive never heard or even seen one before now, it has always amazed me just how many diverse caps there are within the Third Reich inventory, perhaps one day we will see a collector with every known cap there is , what a sight that would be.
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