WW2 SS Schutzmannschaft Schuma Officers M43 Feldmütze Cap Insignia

[komet45]

A few weeks ago I encountered a seller at my local flea market with several boxes of supposed WW2 German items. Many were classic fantasy fakes while others were more convincing. Once I spot a fake in a group I proceed cautiously, but often times the good is mixed in with the bad. I was the first at the table, and over cover of darkness (it was 5:30 AM) I worked feverously with a flashlight clinched between my teeth; not the best way to make calm, rational, informed choices! While I was digging the seller kept putting more out and a small crowd began to develop. I saw him put two Early War US M1903 "Scant" stocks on the table and I had to move quickly as I knew those were what they appeared to be. As the sun began to rise

One box containing small items was filled with a mix of patches and badges, many of which were clearly fantasy. Limp cuff titles, sad SS "Tuxedo" badges and paper-thin screwback Iron Crosses, even a pair of old fantasy SS pith helmet shields for good measure. Digging deeper I began to find other pieces that seemed viable. Before moving over to the rifle stocks I managed to grab a half dozen "interesting" specimens and this Schuma patch was one of them (I will be posting several others here too).

The patch is similar to other BeVo pieces I have in my collection and the thread appears to be aluminum flatwire, as there is a noticeable "stiffness" present in the area of the emblem. I have noted two distinct styles of lower "clasps" depicted at the bottom of the Oak Leaf wreathes and the example I have is similar to those posted by fellow user Vocht here (Schuma Cloth insignia , Uniforms, Schuma Items). A similar example attached to a cap can be seen here (Germany, Ss. A Schutzmannschaft Officer’s M43-Style Service Cap
– eMedals). No reaction in the materials could be detected when the patch was exposed to UV light.

As always, I would greatly appreciate the experienced eyes of the forum to take a look at this patch and share any criticisms, opinions and thoughts you might have about it. Like the others I found, I don't have much invested in this piece and would still be happy to have it in my collection as a "place holder" even if it turned out not to be genuine.

[Vocht]

Looks like a good EM/NCO to my eyes. I had quite a few over the years.

[komet45]

Thank you Vocht, straight from the source! Your photographs were very helpful and I appreciate your confirmation here. I do not own any other Schuma pieces and am excited to be in "new territory!"