Waffen SS Pionier branch piped officers side cap

[Ben]

I have owned this cap since 1984.
It came without the eagle. I have always wondered about it due to the fact that it has Pionier branch piping. The piping was attached during manufacture. I have already shown this to two knowledgeable people here on the Forum who think it is, although Branch Piping on SS caps is un-common but did exist, original. I would very much like to hear more opinions and thoughts on it. Thanks in advance for any and all comments.

[Ben]

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[sturmbannfuhrer]

Silver piping on a W-SS cap would be for officer's over the rank of Senior Colonel upwards, Oberfuhrer to Oberstgruppenfuhrer, below Oberfuhrer, universal white piped.

This cap in my opinion, should not have a soutach attached. This to me is a red flag to its originality.

J T

[BenVK]

Hi J.T. why wouldn't an Oberführer or more senior rank have a soutache?

[Hasse.M]

To add wood to the fire, the soutache has not been applied in the correct manner, it should be stitched in place and inserted through two small holes near the bottom edge of the cap.

But the cap itself IS original and im sure the silver piping is original applied to.

Is the ghost marks from the eagle, the totenkopf and soutache original to? Im really not sure I think a hands-on is a must.


Very brave to post a oddball like this on the forum