The great Alteste hunt

[NTZ]

Ok guys I never though I would see this but one of the major dealers is selling an Alteste visor with full shield as an original. Now can you find the Alteste? It is like a Where is Waldo hunt.

[Sayle F]

Visor

Wittman has had it on his site for some time now.

[Dave Kane]

MAX Certified you know.....

[NTZ]

I wonder if anyone has told him? Or is he one of these guys with the “I have been collecting for 100yrs, don’t tell me its bad” attitude?

[Bob Hritz]

I have one in a box in my barn!

Bob Hritz

[NTZ]

I have one in a box in my barn!

Bob Hritz

You know Bob they are collectors items in thier own right.

[stonemint]

I rarely ever go to that site--his definition of "mint" and mine are at two extremes.

That Alteste sure was easy to spot just by the thumbnail alone--they all are shaped the same, and have that heavy twill to them. I would love to know who made them and when.

This one varies from the usual in terms of the font on the celluloid, and the yellow lining, but the exterior is the same as all the others.

[Bob Hritz]

Dr Breuer made them in the 1950s and 1960s. Studio Breuer (pronounced BROY-ER) was a sales outlet for replica uniforms and hats, without swastika emblems. of course, if you were known, any emblem you wanted could be added.

Dr. Breuer had some famous clients, like Hasso von Manteuffel, who would buy hats and give them to those adoring fans who would entertain him and take him out to lavish dinners. I have a nice Souval Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, a post-war postcard, and calling card, from von mantauffel, that he gave to a friend for his kindness.

I know there are other 'dinosaurs' who must know of Studio Breuer. He bought out the post war remainders of August Mueller and often used the post-war logos, in his hats.

Bob hritz

[stonemint]

Bob--thanks for the heads up--I have been asking this question for the past 20 years, and you are the first to have an answer

[solo]

Sorry if I am ignorant,but what kind of hat is "Alteste"?Can you show it ?
Thanks
Carlo

[Dave Kane]

Carlo, the caps commonly refered to as 'AltesteMutzen' are very, very early reproductions. Incredible quality and attention to detail...with the exception of the diamond which was a soft PLASTIC.

These caps were offered from SS General to Heer EM is every piping color.

Many sit is so called 'advance collections' and the type continues to fool collectors. The caps are simple to detect once one knows what they look like.

[NTZ]

I could not resist bringing this thread to the top. I think by now most of us know Tom Whittman has an Alteste for sale on his site. One would think he would know better but hey he is a dagger guy I will give him some slack. We have all joked as to when he will figure out this thing is bad. It looks like some people have told him already because he changed his description. Now this is funny!!!!

This fine Army Officer’s peaked cap is constructed of whipcord wool. This green wool is in perfect condition throughout, having no mothing anywhere. The cap is piped in a bright yellow color, indicating that this Officer’s Branch was that of Signals. The obverse peak has an aluminum Army eagle, which looks to the viewer’s right, and clutches a swastika. This stamped eagle has excellent detail throughout. Below, on the obverse green band, is a matching Reich cockade, having a wreath of oak leaves and acorns. The cap chin cords are matching aluminum weave, and are in outstanding condition. The patent leather brim is perfect, showing no attic heat crazing. The original, tan kidskin leather, sweatband is in good condition, and the cork inside is still perfect. This sweatband shows only nominal wearing signs in the obverse area. The hat is lined in a brown-colored, silk-style, material. The intact celluloid diamond is in perfect condition. Printed in silver is the maker marking, “Altaste/Berlin-MÜtzenfabriz”. There is also an address below, but this has been mostly obliterated by wear. A beautiful cap here, having a nice peak and good saddle shape. If you have a Signals tunic, this would be a beautiful accompaniant. Experts have told us that this cap is original. The cap being a NCO conversion to officer. Mint $795.00

Who and the f&ck are his “experts”? You have got to be kidding me. It is the blind leading the blind.

[Dave Kane]

That's just downright CROOKED, DISHONEST and SHAMEFUL

[BenVK]

EXPERTS have also told me that this cap and dealer stink like doggy doo.

[NTZ]

Well if someone wants proof the “oldest cap maker in Berlin” did not exist they can do the same research others already have.

1. Alteste has no listing in any period Berlin phone books
2. Alteste was never registered as a company in Germany
3. There are no ads for an Alteste in any period Kleiderkasse catalogs or military publications.
4. We know Dr. Breuer made them in the 1950’s

What more do you need? Dave that is why the only “expert” I trust is me, I don’t care how arrogant it sounds. There are less than 4 people I would consider an expert in visor and you are one of them.