UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Police Uniforms Forum Schupo Visor Cap

I'm thinking about bidding for this Schupo officer visor on an auction site. Any feedback on design/construction relating to period authenticity would be appreciated. The eagle seems a bit new/shiny compared to the cockade and chin cord, but its hard to tell for sure from the photos. I'm also curious if the sweatband and lining are indicative of an actual officer grade cap, as opposed to a conversion from an Other Ranks one.

Is Ludwig Vogele a known manufacturer of police officer-grade caps? Gary Wilkins mentions in his "Collector's Guide to Third Reich Military Headgear" (Bender, 2002) that the only example of a uniform cap he is aware of from Vogele is a Luftwaffe O.R. cap.

The cap looks fine to me. I am not that up on maker's logos to tell you about the manufacturer, I can only comment on the appearance of the cap. The eagle could certainly have been replaced. Since most of this stuff was de-Nazified after the war that doesn't bother me so much, but may be of concern if you are seeking an untouched example.

Regards,
W. Unland

My other concern is I believe that in most cases the visor underside on officer's police caps is a brown or tan color, while green (as this example seems to be) is usually found on the Other Ranks versions.

Civil caps including police are found with green under the brim, be it officer or NCO. It is less common but is seen in my experience. It varied by maker, not necessarily rank.

The secret in buying this stuff is to be perfectly happy with what you are getting. If you have doubts you will never quite be satisfied with a purchase. These SchuPo caps are not really rare, but a nice officer's is harder to find. If you pass on this one, another will pop up in short order.

W. Unland

As Bill says, the cap appears to be an original period cap but I see a couple of issues. The eagle is the flat NCO style and the Officer chin strap has been replaced as it is far too short to fit properly. The interior also looks like the oilcloth enlisted style rather than the silky officer style of liner.

I would say this is an upgraded NCO cap and the chin corns are not original to the cap. While a Meister could wear this cap in this configuration I don't think he would have purchased such ill fitting cords.

As Bill says, you need to be happy with whatever you purchase but I would not pay the price for an Officer cap for this one.

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks for your expertise, gentlemen. I'll pass on this one.