Sweatband Numerical Markings

[derek]

I'm sure Kurt won't mind me borrowing one of the images from his cap thread but I am interested in what other members can add to a research area of mine into the numbers occasionally found stamped on the underside of the sweatband.
What makers are they found on? What form do they take. It's a minor element but might help collectors.
I would be most interested in what's out there.
Thanks for any information.
Derek

[Kurt]

I'm sure Kurt won't mind me borrowing one of the images

Derek, I don't have the slightest problem with this and I am also interested in what people say about these numbers ! Apparently, you also managed to reduce the pic

Kurt

[Bob Hritz]

Hello Derek,

I remember these markings which I first encountered in the 1960s. I was leery of any such markings, back then, and many other collectors were also concerned. However, we never did find out if the numbers were for leather makers lot numbers or what.

Bob Hritz

[NTZ]

I have not seen these exact ones before but I do know there are tons marked H, HB & HP with a date following. I would speculate they were some form of markings from the leather company.

[derek]

Thanks Kurt,
Bob,
I remember the period when these marks were viewed critically by collectors. Unfortunately information was mostly word of mouth and pointers for authenticity or fakery were shared only amongst like minded collectors.
Now we have this excellent resource I was hoping the vast number of hats owned by forum members might yield some concrete information or link this style of mark to specific makers or period.
NTZ,
These marks almost always take the same form and appear to be from a roller applying the identification numbers to back of a larger sheet of leather as sometimes they are cut off.
I believe the other style of initials, makers and date stamps are stampted on indivdual sweatbands after cutting.
If anyone can contribute examples it would be much appreciated.
Derek

[Bob Hritz]

Here is a photo of the numbers, cut off where the sweatband cis connected to it's other end. Of course, I do not believe the hat is original. I would love to be wrong, but I am sure it is a fake Gendermerie officer.

Bob Hritz

[NTZ]

Here is a photo of the numbers, cut off where the sweatband cis connected to it's other end. Of course, I do not believe the hat is original. I would love to be wrong, but I am sure it is a fake Gendermerie officer.

Bob Hritz

Bob, I have a feeling you just taught me something here. I have seen that sheild before and never have it a second look until now. I think this gives us cause to look real good at the visor posted in the other thread.

[stonemint]

Bob, could you post more pics of the Gendarmerie visor?

[Bob Hritz]

Exterior

[Bob Hritz]

Interior

[Bob Hritz]

The silence is deafening.

Bob Hritz

[djpool]

The silence is deafening.

Bob Hritz

Bob I wish I could help, but you know visors aren't my strong suit. You would think with all the visor afficianados out there, that there would be more discussion.Jim

[Gerard/Relic Hunter]

I have only ever seen those numbers on the backs of sweatbands of caps that I believed were early post-war. Nothing to do Nick, with the HB or whatever numbers of wartime sweatband manufacturers.

-G

[NTZ]

I have only ever seen those numbers on the backs of sweatbands of caps that I believed were early post-war. Nothing to do Nick, with the HB or whatever numbers of wartime sweatband manufacturers.

-G

You just answered a question that has been bugging me. Thanks

[stonemint]

Thanks to Bob hritz's generous loan of his Feldgendarmerie cap to me for inspection, I have figured out the mystery of these hats--ie, who they were made by, and whether or not they are original. (Hint--you all won't be surprised!) For reference purposes, I am calling this series of hats the "triple serial #s" as that is the most common characteristic of them.

I have a busy rest of the week, so I will try to post my findings on Sunday--stay tuned!