Panzer Crusher ?

[Daniele C]

Under 3K is a good price over there???

[Karl S.]

also finger the back of the pasteboard for insignia wreath holes...

I'll do that, the seller has a good reputation and return policy.

[hucks216]

Here is the original owners entry on the Volksbund database...


Nachname: Sondermann
Vorname: Walter
Dienstgrad: Leutnant der Reserve
Geburtsdatum: 23.09.1916
Geburtsort: Hamburg
Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 28.10.1943
Todes-/Vermisstenort: Nish-Sserogosy

[Karl S.]

Thanks Hucks. Here's some more info. about the former owner.
The cap came from the family of the grouping sold a while back. It is attributed to belong to Lt Walter Sonderman a well decorated fighting soldier who started his career in Panz.Abw.Abt.30 in 1937, and finished in 3/Pz.Jg.Abt.13 on 28/10/43, when he died of wounds received in a battle He is listed as having received West wall, EK2 Krimshield,Assault Badge, Wound badge in Black, silver, and gold Ost medal, Fought in France Belgium, Denmark, and finally Russia.

[hucks216]

You can't beat it when an item has a known history. I have seen the listing on the dealer site and it is just a pity that the document grouping was split from the cap, but then again on the flip side it makes the cap more affordable, and it is a great looking cap.

[Kreager]

Can't go wrong with the price if good.

Liner and SB look great. Wool doesn't sit well with me Such as Bill pointed out as well. A good hands on should tell all for you Kurt. With a good return policy you can't go wrong.

Please keep us posted.

PS, What dealer is this? Feel free to pm me.

Matt

[Kreager]

After Looking closer at the pics, I'm leaning towards a gutted Em/NCO cap.

1. Very loose top liner
2. Liner all the way to the SB (not a fan of this).
3. Same old black pasteboard as seen on contract caps.
4. Heavy wear inside not so much outside (may not mean anything)

[hucks216]

Well, the original owner reached the rank of Feldwebel in 1940 before being commissioned in 1941.

[panzer_erc]

Nice combat look cap, but IMO it could be a "standard" cap with crusher insignias. It was a common practice in wartime. Nevertheless it is a very nice cap.

[Karl S.]

Thanks everyone but I'll pass on this one. I gave the link to one other interested member, if he passes I'll post the link here.

[LDR]

Not an expert by any means, but to me also, it looks as if a normal cap with added insignia. The green band etc, looks like a normal non crusher visor.

[hucks216]

Not an expert by any means, but to me also, it looks as if a normal cap with added insignia. The green band etc, looks like a normal non crusher visor.

On the dealer site it is described as 'crusher like' rather then actually being a crusher.

[Karl S.]

The dealer is very honest and straight forth about the cap.

[BenVK]

I've inspected this cap for the seller and it's an original Alter Art Panzer Officers cap with a pressed paper peak. It's not a true crusher as it has a coated cardboard pasteboard not a buckram one so you can't "crush" the cap. The wreath is sewn to the centreband and not through the pasteboard and there are no holes which rules out any metal insignia having ever been there. Likewise, the eagle has been on there since day one as well IMO. It's got real authentic wear to it but still in great condition and if it had been a true "crusher" with buckram and leather peak, I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat.

[Kreager]

I've inspected this cap for the seller and it's an original Alter Art Panzer Officers cap with a pressed paper peak. It's not a true crusher as it has a coated cardboard pasteboard not a buckram one so you can't "crush" the cap. The wreath is sewn to the centreband and not through the pasteboard and there are no holes which rules out any metal insignia having ever been there. Likewise, the eagle has been on there since day one as well IMO. It's got real authentic wear to it but still in great condition and if it had been a true "crusher" with buckram and leather peak, I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat.

This is good to hear. A hands on by Ben is a great plus.