Any real tropical visors out there?

[MattS]

This topic has always interested me, and I wonder if anyone has any photos of original tropical visors. I imagine a German officer could have had one privately made, but I don't think they were 'official'. I saw one in a museum collection that was brought back from North Africa. I think it was a Heer artillery, and the top was tropical twill instead of wool. I ran across this one at the SOS a couple of years ago. It was reportedly owned by General Erwin Menny of the Afrika Korps. It was eReL marked and had the ventilated cockade. Any thoughts?

[MattS]

interior

[MattS]

nametag

[Mike Dalton]

Hi Matt, over the years I have had several army officer visors that were very light weight and seemed to be made of cotton or cotton blend for the top. I now have in my hands an Erel with an almost water-proof cotton 'duck' material for the top while the sides are a medium grade wool(as opposed to 'doeskin'). I have not encountered a cap like the one you are showing and I'm not aware of any specific tropical visors. The one here I would have some issues with from what little I can see. The white lining and grey sweatband to start.

[NTZ]

The visor you are showing is a fake. The lining and logo are not pre 1945 I can tell you that. These pop up every once and a while and mysteriously they are all Erel and all generals’ rank. There is no evidence either an original visor or period photos to support these. As mentioned there was so-called tropical weave visors but they were still gray.

[NTZ]

Here is another one. Erel of course.

[NTZ]

b

[MattS]

I had my doubts about that one too Nick, but I thought I'd snap a few pics for reference. I don't know of any verifiable originals, but if anyone has a repro 'tropical' visor, let me know.

[SgtB]

As much as I'd like to believe in, and own one of these, until I'm proven wrong, they fall in the "fantasy" category for me.

[NTZ]

As much as I'd like to believe in, and own one of these, until I'm proven wrong, they fall in the "fantasy" category for me.

Brian can you post pics for us? Is it an Erel too?

[SgtB]

Brian can you post pics for us? Is it an Erel too?

Sorry for the confusion, Nick! I meant I'd love to own one if there was such an animal. A couple years ago, however, there was one offered on ebay and I asked for better pictures. The seller emailed some, but I did not like what I saw immediately. It was an "Erel" general, and quite possibly the one you show here. Let me check if I still have them.

[Mike Davis]

I agree - the idea of a tropical visored cap (excepting the LW 'Meyer' style) is a fantasy category.

[NTZ]

I have seen 4 or 5 over the years. All generals, all Erel’s and all fake. Erel seems to be the choice of fakers. One day when I have the time I will share my fake Erel files with you guys. You would not believe how good and how bad some are.

[SgtB]

Ha ha, Nick! I found them! And a bunch of other good stuff I forgot I had, so it wasn't a total loss! Give me your email and I'll send 'em to you.

[Bob Coleman]

In 1962, I Purchased An Army Visor Cap With White Piping And A Top That Matched In Color The Tropical Uniform. For Those Of You Who Might Have A Copy Of Stan Bozich's Book On Headgear, The Hat Can Be Seen On Page 2. It Was Unmarked, Had Seen Some, But Little Wear And Had All Embroidered Insignia. I Bought It From A Collector Who Had Obtained It In The Early 50's. Somewhere, I Have An Old Color Picture Of The Hat Taken In The 60's. It Is Faded And A Little Discolored. When I Find It, It Will Be Posted On This Thread. It Was The Only Hat Of Its Kind I Ever Encountered.