This Waffen-SS general's visor that must have belonged to general Richard Hildebrandt is already for some time for sale on one of the dealers sites. As far as I know it has never been discussed so far. I am very curious what the members think of it.
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textbook general's visor in near mint condition, imho, a one-looker!
Fredrico,
This Generals WSS Cap has been discussed before on this forum.But the queries were how do we know if its Richeard Hildebrands cap
What providence does it have please to allow us to believe it was his ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Stephen
Roger Bender got a cap from the family, or his intermediary secured same. This event transpired in the early 1980s, when I sold Bender a lot of my material, myself (i.e. an outstanding black SSVT tunic and a black SS officer's cap...). I recall having a Hildebrandt cap in my hand, but my memory of the details is now scarce. It was the spring of 1981, though. Someone can write to Bender himself. I am sure he would answer such an inquiry. What I always wondered about this cap is the so-called "Verkaufsabteilung VBS." Much of the Vosstrasse was torn down in 1937/8 for the Neue Reichskanzlei, so this cap would have been made earlier, which is possible, surely. Or, this Verkaufsabteilung (clothing cooperative...) was there in the building, itself, somehow. There was the earlier Verkaufsabteilung d. Lw in the Vosstrasse, before it moved to the Puttkammerstrasse after 1938 or so.
my only question is:
why does the sweatband have what appears to be mould or water spots when no other part of the cap is similarly affected?
What worries me is the shape of the shield which is not typical for Erel caps after 1937 in my opinion. However, if it was made before '37 like mister Abenheims suggests, then it is ofcourse different.
Stephen - great Avatar!!
I would like to see the inner core of the aluminium piping and the inner stuffing of this hat black-lite tested .........
jim toncar
I have held this cap in hand. I have also recently had the distinct pleasure to hold an unquestionably original Waffen General's visor in hand from an esteemed forum member.The quality of Kris Anderson's visor (pictured) is outstanding. I see what you mean Tony but can only explain it as leather , being an animal product may have attracted the spots more than the remainder of the cap would have. There are things about the hat that closely resemble Erel manufacturing traits but as indicated there are a few things that are different. Perhaps this is explained as it appears to be an earlier produced cap. In the photo at least the top piping appears a little odd. This may be a trick of the picture as I do not recall having noticed anything out of the ordinary when looking at it in the flesh, cheers, Ryan
As regards the mildew like stains on the sweat band of this cap, I have seen similar stains on other Erel caps that were otherwise lightly worn, or seemingly unworn. I make no judgment on this piece, other than I do know a Hildebrandt cap has made its way through the collector cosmos in the last twenty five years. However, if my Canadian colleague has examined the cap, his intervention has more weight than mine. These electronic images are often misleading. Granted the prices charged by the elite dealers for SS caps, the price of this piece seems a virtual steal. I note that one of our colleagues seeks USD 6000 for a black OR cap. Viel Sammerlglueck an allen!
Does anybody find this extra layer of construction odd? What is this black band, between the wool and sweatband? I've seen this on Janke visors posted here, but never in person, on a visor that I've owned...
Hi Johann many period Erel visors had their sweatbands sewn to a reed that ran the circumference of the cap. Usually in tan.This attachment method made the sweatband very fragile and many did not hold up well over the post war years. I have never seen the reed covered in black but then again there is much in this hobby that I have yet to see. cheers, Ryan
Further to my initial post. I can not comment on the originality of this cap but having seen it in person a few times can state that it is of the highest quality manufacture, befitting an Erel produced cap. cheers, Ryan
If it is so great then why has no-one purchased it? As Donald says it is a virtual steal at that price.
True it started at $25k then dropped to $20k but now at $15k for a rare, named SS Generals visor it is pretty good value.
I have seen two SS officers visors (one very nice crusher)sell for $14k in the past month.
It should be gone like the wind........
Hi I was not aware of the price reduction. When I saw this cap two years ago it was priced at $25,000.00. If it is now available at $15,000.00 I agree with Tony's assessment that it should be gone like the wind. Excellent conditioned, extremely rare and desireable items should not need to be reduced to bargain prices for any reason. cheers, Ryan
Greetings Guys!
My understanding is that the cap sold at the SOS.
Best regards,
Bill
These caps are way beyond me..sadly!
It's still on oakleaf.s website
I didnt realize $15,000 for a hat was a bargain price.Are there any straight jackets available?
Hi John. Are you okay with that black band under the sweat band? That still looks funny to me...
BTW, What site is this on?
Hi Johann it should be on Kris Anderson's site, Oakleaf Militaria. John if a nice Erel officers cap with non standard insignia just sold for $10,995.00 then I would consider an authentic Waffen SS attributable Generals visor in near mint condition to be a bargain at $15,000.00. What would be the value of Wolfe's tunic???? or an un named one for that matter? My understanding is that authentic Waffen SS General's items are as rare as hen's teeth.
cheers, Ryan
In this connection, I have corresponded with the owner of the cap, whom I respect fully. He is convinced of the originality of the piece and has been in contact with Bender, as well. Said figure also owns a uniform from Hildebrand, and my interlocutor suggests to me that the cap is tailored by the same outfit that made the uniform, itself. Recently these items, as well as another general-grade leader's uniform, emerged from an old, important collection. The ebb and flow of fetid woolens is breathtaking. viel Sammerlglueck.
Kris is a great guy - I have bought a couple of items from him in the past, and everything I have received has been true to description. He had the visor in question at one of the OVMS Shows in the past, and I must say it was something to see! His commentary about the piece was quite informative, and I believe quite authentic. I'm sure someone real soon will be the new owner of this one . . .
PVON