Edelweiss cap device variant

[gebirgaussie]

I purchased this Edelweiss officer's cap badge recently, without really knowing what I was buying. My first impression was that this must be one of those touristy souvenir badges, or perhaps a civilian Alpin Verein badge. But I have shown the photos to two people who I would regard as militaria experts, and they both tell me that it is a genuine WW2 Edelweiss Gebirgsjager cap device. In fact it is a rare variant of the more common two-piece construction with pins. This one has a fastening clip. See photos and let me know what you think, as the jury is still out on this one for me! Would anyone know an approximate date of issue? Sorry for the bad photos, which do not do the item justice. I think it is made of silver, but has tarnished to black with age.
Ian

Edelweiss cap device variant (Front)

Edelweiss cap device variant (Reverse)

P.S. At one time I thought this may be an Edelweiss Sweetheart badge, but my contacts say no.

[BergführerKiser]

Grüß Gott und G'day Ian,

What you have is not a World War II Gebirgsjäger Bergmütze (mountain cap) Edelweiß, but a World War I cap Edelweiß used by both the Austrian Kaiserjäger and German Alpenkorps.

[gebirgaussie]

G'day Patrick,
That is even better!
Just one question, if a soldier from WW1 was still serving in WW2, is it likely that he would still have worn the older model cap device? Or would this have been against regulations? Or would he perhaps have worn it in WW2, but only on special occasions, at reunions, parades etc.? Well that is three questions, but hoping you can answer them for me!
Regards,
Ian

[BergführerKiser]

Grüß Di' und G'day Ian,

There is some evidence that the WWI pattern Edelweiß was worn, but only during the early pre-war period. The standard WWII Gebirgsjäger cap badge was introduced in May of 1939 for wear on the Bergmütze and was pretty standard throughout the war years.

[gebirgaussie]

Hi Patrick,

That is a very nice photo. Is it real? If so, the Edelweiss on the side of the cap has me puzzled. It is a very large badge and does not appear to have a stem. I thought only the stem version was worn on the side of the field cap?

Regards
Ian

[Simon O.]

The photo is real alright. you'll find it in a lot of publications including period books and on postcards iirc. As you can see from the photo it's pre-war so bearing in mind when the wartime capbadge was introduced it's not surprising this jäger used an edelweiss from the old days for this publicity shot.

[gebirgaussie]

Ah yes, thanks Simon. That certainly makes sense.
Cheers,
Ian