Luft. Reversible Camo Information Sought

[oldcorps]

I recently acquired a reversible camo/snow hat in what appears to be the Luft. M40 pattern. It doesn't appear that any insignia was ever applied and the only markings are the RBN and size, both faint. Bill is the long type. Hat is completely non-reactive to black light. I've been trading these items for well over sixty years and this is new to me. Will eMail images to anyone interested.

[Lenny W]

Posting pictures for oldcorps

[GAMS1]

Nothing good here , especially "industry made " with a nice stamping !
Nick

[kammo man]

Don’t take pictures straight into the sun is my advice


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[oldcorps]

Actually, as was generally the case with German camouflage items, I've had both rigger (or tailor made) and factory produced. The caps without insignia are quite scarce in the US because GIs preferred showier headgear for their war trophies. Typically the camouflage items I've traded have mainly been mittens, helmet covers and of course, Zeltbahns. This acquisition consisted of two caps, both the same size, one nested inside the other. The outer one faded but the colors on the one it protected are more vivid. RBN number should be researchable but has faded considerably on both examples almost to the point of illegibility. I already have buyers for both if I decide to sell but I'd like to broaden my knowledge of WW2 German camo headgear first. I'm not soliciting opinions on authenticity but I would appreciate it if someone would post pics of similar headgear. Wartime photos would be great too. The only originals I've come across showing this pattern hat were of Waffen SS troops.

[SkaraBrae]

The tan tropical cap is certainly a fake.

[oldcorps]

It's the white side of the reversible camo cap. I know what I have, thanks, but I appreciate your input. As is frequently the case with rare guns and holsters, it sometimes takes years to acquire the knowledge sought. Still seeking reliable information and period photos. I've spent a career finding items that aren't supposed to exist and that's one of the things that makes the hobby exciting.

[SkaraBrae]

It's the white side of the reversible camo cap. I know what I have, thanks, but I appreciate your input. As is frequently the case with rare guns and holsters, it sometimes takes years to acquire the knowledge sought. Still seeking reliable information and period photos. I've spent a career finding items that aren't supposed to exist and that's one of the things that makes the hobby exciting.

Then it is absolutely a fake. If don't want to hear the truth, don't post it here.

[oldcorps]

Thank you for your input, I hear a lot of things from amateurs at shows and on forums, some of which is even useful. Fortunately I have access to reputable professionals. Once again, what I'm seeking is information, opinions on the lids have already been given. Photos would be most welcome. I'll be visiting family in Europe for a month which usually is productive but much of what I typically see offered isn't marketable here.

[kammo man]

Hat is a fake
Nothing will change that.



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[Willi Z.]

I am not sure which is worse: the cap or the pompous attitude.

[billbert]

People don’t like these.I picked up 2 of these during 30 years..almost identical to yours including the two lower level machine sewn vents..the ones I had encountered had the blue satin luft style liner..Billbert

[oldcorps]

So far I haven't even gotten a photo of a fake that's anything close. Unsubstantiated opinions go with the territory and are taken within that context. As primarily a firearms trader I usually stay within that venue and like my peers, avoid forums unless it's to make a purchase. In any event, I almost invariably trade with dealers anymore who like me, occasionally make mistakes and at one time or another, all of us have to eat our words. Generally speaking, forums are rich sources of information regarding common items but as has been the case with rare Civil War items, trumpet banners, holsters, Colts or anything out of the ordinary, I've come to rely upon the opinions of the reputable dealers I've known for decades. Also, public museum curators have been of invaluable assistance.

[oldcorps]

I have taken in many fine Colts, Lugers, Mausers, helmets, etc, at bargain prices because the seller had panicked when someone branded them fakes. These were some of my best deals and hopefully the pattern will continue to repeat itself. Any academically sound advice here is lacking so I've asked the mod to pull the thread. Good hunting!

[Willi Z.]

Yes, it is very academic to state that if you haven't seen photos of another fake cap which looked like this one, this one might be ok.

Why is it made in the Heer splinter pattern? The Luftwaffe splinter pattern is different. As seen on splinter pattern FJ draw string helmet covers, splinter pattern FJ clip-on covers, FJ splinter pattern smocks, or Luftwaffe GD jackets. Since both FJs and GD personnel are the most likely to wear such a cap. Markings would indicate a factory made piece.

If any branch of the German military would have determined the need for a field cap to be reversible to white, it would have been the Waffen SS. They didn't have any.

I have yet to see one of these splinter pattern caps, declared to be Luftwaffe, in the Luftwaffe splinter pattern. Any serious FJ collector would love to have one...

For decades some of the worst TR militaria I get to see comes from some of the most serious firearms dealers or collectors. Some "know what they don't know", but many don't. And the stuff gets passed along, sometimes merely because they are priced as bargains.