Artillery Crusher-Style Schirmmütze

[phild]

Phil, what are your thoughts on the idea that later in the war there was a trend to wear schirmutzen without chincords (never applied to the cap), with either alter art or regular insignia. Something like this or the one shown by Kurt. Jacques

I think that this is entirely possible. It is interesting that both in the W-SS and the Heer we see 2 things happening during the war years:

1. NCO caps being stripped chin straps and removal of shaping wires (etc..) and sometimes with cloth insignia added , and crushed shaping in order to resemble old style field caps.

2. True old style field caps having the chin cords added for whatever reason.


Maybe these caps like you show and what started this thread is some type of un-official mid to late war hybrid schirmmutz was marketed primarily for field wear?

[jacquesf]

"True old style field caps having the chin cords added for whatever reason "

Here is another pic clarifying what you are saying. I totally agree with your assesment of these caps and how they have evolved. Jacques

[jacquesf]

Here is another cap with what looks like the thin paper visor. Jacques

[jacquesf]

Another variation, this time leather visor with standard insignia and cords. Jacques

[Kurt]

Some great photos jacquesf... they illustrate really well that many variations existed. Just came across this color photo. Almost looks like he's wearing a repro