Unknown visor cap

[Michael Stern]

Hello,
I posted this visor cap on the Third Reich cloth hat forum and was told to post it on DDR as well. I am not sure what orginization it belonged to, and hope you may help me identify it. The photos that I received are poor, but it does appear to made of gray wool with a darker gray band. The lining is gray cotton. I would appreciate any assistance you may be able to offer. The owner claims that it is pre 1945
Thanks,
Mike

[Michael Stern]

visor

hat

[Matthew S.]

Not pre-1945. My guess is early DDR fire police.

[Michael Stern]

unknown visor

Hello Matthew,
Thank you for your response, would you be able to tell me what type of insignias this type of hat would have? Any guess as to approximate value?
Thanks,
Mike

[Rev462]

Michael:

I agree with Matthew. It looks like a fairly early Feuerwehr hat.

I can't see any issue markings in the photo - it could be a Volunteer Fire Fighter hat, which were typically privately purchased. Are there any markings on or under the sweatshield?

How many bands of piping are there? Pre-1961 Police & Fire hats have 3 bands just like TR era hats, post 1961 hats have just 2 bands. In the photo, the chincord is obscuring where the 3rd band of piping would be.

Judging by the interior photo I'd say the hat is late 50's - early 60's vintage. The presence or absence of a 3rd band of piping would help narrow that down, which in turn would determine the proper insignia.

[Michael Stern]

Unfamiliar visor

Hello,
The original owner's photos were not that clear. I am waiting for the hat to arrive. I will add photos once I get it. I am not really sure what this is. This hat is being sent from Europe. The seller swears the fabric is pre 1945 and most likely issued post war to a member of the fire police. I have purchased a number of items from this individual, and they have all been correct. Thank you for your response.
Mike

[Michael Stern]

Unknown visor

Hello,
I just received word from the original owner. He claims the photos are off color. The hat is actually dark blue with a dark blue band. He had no idea why the hat appeared gray in these photos. I know that the pre 1945 fire officers hats were dark blue, but had a black velvet type band. I will send photos when this hat arrives.
Mike

[Rev462]

Mike:

I think that clinches it as early DDR Feuerwehr. Now we need to see if there are 2 or 3 bands of piping to determine the time period a little better.

[Michael Stern]

Unknown visor

Hi,
I will send photos as soon as the hat arrives.
Thanks,
Mike

[Michael Stern]

Unknown visor cap

I just received the hat, and it isn't even close to the photos that were originally sent. The hat is black with carmine piping. Please let me know what you think it might be.
Thanks,
Mike

[Michael Stern]

visor

ddr

[Michael Stern]

ddr

visor

[Michael Stern]

visor cap

ddr

[Michael Stern]

ddr visor

cap

[Knuckles930]

Well the capcord is certainly DDR, the older type. I agree with Feuerwehr.