DAF Railway Hat???

[Collector5516]

A friend of mine recently purchased this hat and was hoping to learn more about it. The red is a much deeper color than what the photos show. There is a tear to the liner that makes some of the wording hard to read in the photo. It says "Reichsbahn Kleider????".

Any information regarding in what capacity this hat would have been worn is appreciated. Also any ideas as to scarcity/value. THANKS!

[stonemint]

You have an M-35 German Railway (Reichsbahn) Supervisor's cap. They really are more of an orange-red, but they are described as red (we call them red-tops).

Yours is an issue (not private purchase) piece, and it says Kleiderkasse, which is like a co-op from which to buy uniform parts cheaper than from private makers. It is made by Clemens Wagner.

Your hat may or may not have correct insignia. The winged cogwheel is for members of private electric tram companys. They never were nationalized, and each city had its own uniforms--the only common insignia was the winged wheel as is on yours. Reichsbahn visors have the M-35 eagle. If there are extra prong-holes, someone replaced the insignia. If none, your insignia is probably original to the hat.

This is what I am talking about: