For the Polizei tschako experts out there: I know that the officer rank Schupo tschakos by Erel had some cloth padding behind the eagle. Was this feature unique to Erel, or was it standard for all manufacturers? I have obtained (via Craig Gottlieb) a "private purchase" non-Erel example (unknown manufacturer - no markings), without the padding and was wondering if this indicates it was tampered with/eagle replaced at some point.
It has the officer style silk & calfskin lining, so I know its not converted from an enlisted version.

All officers tschakos were to have the padding behind he plate. However, these were nearly always lost over the years and now most examples in collectors hands dont have them.

Bill Unland

Thanks Bill. Now I just have to spend the next 10 years trying to track down a paradebusch for it!

I've been trying to post photos of the tschako, without success. One more attempt:

Nice looking tschako. Looks like it was never used.

I saw a parade bush for sale on German e-bay a couple of days ago. May still be available.

Regards,
Bill Unland

Yes, this one has the officer grade interior and the "proud" eagle as is proper. This is a nice example Randy.