German crusher cap (beret style)?

[Antioch]

Good day all. After reviewing dozens of photos of German crusher caps, I'm curious to know if the "beret style" of the crusher has been seen? I have attached a photograph for reference. The shape and form looks quite different from a standard crusher. I do not think I have ever seen such an example on the market.

[AntiqueWW2]

For me a just normal Crusher photographed from a bad angle what made it look like a bit beret....

[Antioch]

I think you may be right! perhaps it's just the angle of the photograph.
I have attached a photo of a Dutch museum collection - notice the officer on the far left with a "beret" crusher - very unusual design!

[sfk20]

Agreed. If I remember correctly, there are several other photos of this Grossdeutschland officer and you can see it's an ordinary crusher. Keep in mind you can push a crusher into many shapes since there's nothing stiffening the top half.

[Gene]

Agree, just the angle

[jacquesf]

No it is not the angle. It was worn like that, by removing the back half of the pasteboard to create the floppy look. Here is my example and another period pic.J


DSC06900.JPG DSC06901.JPG art96hat6.jpg crushershape.jpg ook. Here is my example and another period pic. J

[Antioch]

Thank you jacques! That makes much more sense. I had not thought of that... crushers truly are quite a flexible field cap.
I like the floopy look; is there any practical reason for removing the back or is it just for style?

[jacquesf]

Imo it was just for style and comfort. My hat is exceptionally light. J

[jacquesf]

crushercollapse Italian Camo Trousers - Italy 1945 - 1.jpg crusherflop3a.jpg crushercollapsed back.jpg

[phild]

The boiled wool examples like the one that you posted are particularly light in weight and very easy to shape most any way since the wool is actually felted not woven like every other wool material. They are not many seen today as I suspect they had a high attrition rate. In many cases with really good photos and some knowledge of what to look for, crushers made of this can be spotted in a good many period photos Heer and W-SS

[Antioch]

Could you post a photograph of the interior and the back of your crusher, please - Jacques? (to better see the clear removal of the back of the pasteboard)

If we were to compare these two crushers (sold by fjm44) - I assume the floppy look can be achieved with the first example, but not the second?

https://fjm44.com/product/stunning-u...tze-alter-art/
https://fjm44.com/articles/heer-infa...bert-lubstein/

[jacquesf]

Here you go art96hat7.jpg art96hat8.jpg art96hat8.jpg

[stonemint]

1. one of the best pics of a crusher in wear.
   It shows Fritz Hahl, who commanded the 6th company of "Westland". BestCrusher.jpg

[hs132]

A Luftwaffe cap, more beret like. Best, Bill

[jacquesf]

Cracking photo Bill. Look like the pasteboard is intact on this one. J