BGS Head Gear

[Guardian 5]

Gordon - Great thread and informative as always.

All the best - TJ

[Guardian 5]

Team - I believe this gentleman was previously shown, but thought it might be appropriate to present him again.

All the best - TJ

[stonemint]

Nice pic of the Prasident schirmmutze in wear (pic is reversed):

[Ralph P]

What time period was the photo taken?

[speedytop]

Ralph, May 1961:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...jpg?uselang=de

Uwe

[Klaus1989]

Used search function to bring this thread back, to keep all the infos in one place, as I find it better, than to have 10 million threads on same subject.

Anyway, to share is a rare cap from the Bundespaßkontrolldienst (PKD). A little backround to how this is BGS. This was personal who serviced border crossings, stamped passports, etc. Originally founded 1951 in British Zone as separate from BGS, placed first under BGS control 1952. 1961 renamed in Grenzschutzeinzeldienst (GSE). Personal was same from BGS, sent to serve for limited time in PKD (for 4 months in summer, or for 6 months of year). Uniform was dark blue double-breasted blazer, 1970 wear normal BGS uniform with white cap and GSE cufftitle.

From photos, it is clear, that 2 cap models worn. First with only eagle in wreath, then also with Kokarde above from sometime around 1960/61-1970. Some of early caps appear to have higher and others lower profile (mine is latter). The shield very similar to Wasserzoll, which has pointed instead of rounded bottom (think cap different also).

Cap is very civilian looking, resemble, what I would call a "Schiffermütze". Insignia is very high quality bullion.

From age, material and quality, I guess it from very early, so maybe early 1950s. Yes, it dark blue, but appear almost black in the photos.


Unfortunately interior is in bad condition. Maker shield mostly gone. Anyone recognise maker from what left? Look like top of tower with A and G on each side.


Photo in wear in Kleve, 1950s. As photo is copyright, I post the link to it. Article with it is interesting to read as well.
http://www.lokalkompass.de/kleve/pol...189,49111.html

A few more infos from a veteran's site:
http://www.bgs13-coburg1959.de/Kapp/...zeldienst.html

Regards
Klaus

[Klaus1989]

Next is a Schiffchen from drillich material. These were worn with 2 pocket Arbeitsanzug and with some early work coveralls, which I have only seen in photos. Not really a "field cap". Sometimes worn against with regulation with another field uniforms. Not sure when introduced, sometime in 1950s and worn into early 1970s.

Earlier caps had olive backing on Kokarde, later is darker black-green. Also later earflaps sewn down and not free. This cap is probably from late 1950s-early 60s.




Maker Brand and size 57. This maker seem to made most of these style. Early caps only have stamps. Later 1960s-70s have label instead.



Regards
Klaus

[Klaus1989]

The following Schiffchen is a mystery, I have posted before, but photos were not so good. Won it on ebay with only some poor quality photos, assumed it Bw. It is definitely not. Is BGS grey-green colour and from gabardine material. Possibly a private purchase piece for Meister ranks, as they wore officer quality uniforms, without officer insignia. Officers would presumably have silver piping. Kokarde very worn and has been on cap for long time. Only other possibility would be Zoll, but they had greener uniforms and never seen with Schiffchen (so far). Have seen couple photos of BGS Schiffchen with Dienstanzug, but assumed it was previous model before.





Maker label for Perküro, look like something from tailored clothing. On label to read: "Perküro" and "Peter Küpper, 56 Wuppertal 21". 56 is probably size, as it is small.



Regards
Klaus

[Klaus1989]

Here the BGS Bergmütze (officially a "Dienstmütze") of the first model. These have higher body as the true M43 cap. Exist in four models:

- 1st Model (1951-1962/63): rough wool, in early years tolerated to wear "pinched" like in WW2, but after mid1950s appear to be discouraged, as this practice disappeared.
- 2nd Model (1962/63-early 1970s?): gabardine wool/polyester blend, still with real flaps.
- 3rd Model (early-mid 1970s?): like 2nd, but flaps only simulated.
- 4th Model (1976-early 1980s?): mossgreen, with star badge

This is very interesting BGS cap. Has correct visor double stitiching and single vent hole on each side, unlike Bepo caps, but buttons are painted, which I have never seen on period photos. Kokarde appear original - it is early high quality type. No Bepo had piping this dark with this style cap. Had slightly similar later 1970s dated Bepo unknown cap once with also painted buttons and from same maker, but was somewhat different in cut and colour.





Maker is "J. Heinr. Nordloh, Hamburg-Bilstedt, Hauptstr. 51". Sweatband only in front area. Size 57 and named to "Wenzel"...



...what is interesting is later, I bought a BGS Astra holster also named to Wenzel! Same person?




Regards
Klaus

[uscob]

BGS See.

[uscob]

Beret for Special Vehicle Crewmen "Besatzungen von Sonderfahrzeugen".
It has a special Head-Shape Liner, not like the ones in the "normal" Berets.

[uscob]

A Side Cap in HBT.

[Collectinsteve]

Klaus, you have the same heads as I do and almost the same color painted wallpaper behind it! I had to do a double take because at first I thought the pictures were from my collection and I was wondering where I had such a nice HBT Schiffchen

I've seen a few BGS HBT Schiffchen on eBay lately. Including some that still have the strong gray/blue color (they fade to almost gray). I think a box of them must have been found recently.

As for the painted buttons on the M43, I will look through my large box of such caps. I am pretty sure I have a NRW or Rheinland-Phalz cap like that. Maybe someone switched the badge?

Steve

[uscob]

"Manöverband" for Steelhelmets. ( The Helmet isn't BGS on the Pic)

[uscob]

To complete the Maneuvers Set, the Refferees Armband and a Detail of the Special Beret.