Erel--1965!

[stonemint]

I like to go off topic every once and a while, as long as their is a connection to the TR. As we all know, Erel became Emhage during the DDR, and then VEB 1856. Most people associate DDR caps with those late 80's early 90's plastic, polyester and vinyl p.o.s. The ones made in the 40's, 50's and up to the mid 60's are almost on par with some TR makers--they used wool, leather and celluloid, and very tight, precise, bullion embroidery which would hold its own with almost any of the TR.

This is a Volksmarine hat from 1965 made by 1856. It has a leather chinstrap, sweatband and a removable wool trikot top--they are probably the best made of all the DDR caps, and are (imho) far more rugged and durable than their TR counterparts.

This is for a field-grade officer:

[stonemint]

For DDR, they have a decent sattel. As the tops are removable, there is no padding.

[stonemint]

The DDR used the same shape wreath as the WH, not the KM, but they still raised it off the band like the KM.

The bullion appears to be fire-gilded, and is very symmetrical and tight--there is no unterlagen showing.

[stonemint]

The oakleaves on the visor are just as good, if not better, than many TR visors. The oakleaves are NOT metal, but genuine bullion:

[stonemint]

The oakleaves go up under the band, all the way around the visor:

[stonemint]

3/4 view. The hat is a depot queen, and a very small size (53). It is 1965 dated--just about the last year you will find bullion. Afterwards, all insignia was metal, even the visor oaks:

[stonemint]

The one on the right is a company-grade officers, and uses the single scallop, but in metal. It is also and 1856, from 1968, so the insignia is all metal. It is made for a giant--it is a size 63!

[stonemint]

This shows the common peak stiffener for these VM hats--all have removable tops:

[stonemint]

A family reunion of sorts--Big Daddy and his 2 "offspring".

Note the wool on the KM is a shade darker, and the VM's lack the large, floppy tops that make the KM visors stand out:

[Jody]

Ddr

Hi Chris,
Great caps. I may have to get one of those DDR caps someday.

Regards,
Jody