Tropical Engineers Overseas Cap

[PAOLORUBENS]

uhm ...

so you gents say that my Recon could be legit ? it's me or most of those 11/42 or 12/42 have soutaches which look added using same material and same stiching ?

[PAOLORUBENS]

daylight

daylight

[Tim O'Keefe]

Tim, would you happen to have a picture of an example showing the “sloppy” soutach application to which you are referring?
Bryon

I do, but will have to locate it and get back to you.

Ciao Paolo

Is the thread used to re-attach the false front the same color as the thread used to attach the insignia, like the cockade ? Many of the HB 842's as well as the 1142 & 1242's have had the soutache added post War. Some with the thin shiny type soutache material.

[PAOLORUBENS]

other 2

was used a different thread so this could be " post added " , I've checked my other caps and I've seen the same kind of problem : CW Mar 42 Transport and a curious Pz. Gr. I got in the past from a member with four rivets and no mark ... both have false front fixed with different thread ... ... more dumbs in my collection ???

[PAOLORUBENS]

more

I am not trying to prove my HB is legit ... I sold all other 8/42 I had keeping the Recon just because was looking different , I am just trying to figure out if the different thread used to fix false front could be a valid reason to let them go . this Pz.Gr is coming in my collection , same problem ... different thread

[Tim O'Keefe]

was used a different thread so this could be " post added " , I've checked my other caps and I've seen the same kind of problem : CW Mar 42 Transport and a curious Pz. Gr. I got in the past from a member with four rivets and no mark ... both have false front fixed with different thread ... ... more dumbs in my collection ???

Paolo

Both these caps posted have original soutache & insignia imo. The thread used to attach the false front is not the definative factor, but if a cap does not feature this trait like the threadstarter would be skeptical. Can we see more of the Pz Gr with the four rivits ?

The third cap also looks great !

[PAOLORUBENS]

as requested

some more pics of the " 4 rivets " Pz. Gr.

[PAOLORUBENS]

more

outside looks ok ...

[PAOLORUBENS]

but grommets ...

... but grommets ? any idea about the maker considering the " 57" stamp ? is the font familiar ?

[Kreager]

Is it safe to say if the false front threads don't match at least the cockade, it could be a messed with piece and the soutache should be examined more closely?

(Sorry for a dumb question but I'm mainly a visor and tunic guy)

[Tim O'Keefe]

Is it safe to say if the false front threads don't match at least the cockade, it could be a messed with piece and the soutache should be examined more closely?

(Sorry for a dumb question but I'm mainly a visor and tunic guy)

Might flip it around, If they do match, thats a good sign its original. If they don't thats ok too. But with the post War examples its usually not the case. Post # 34 Paolo's nice caps do not feature this trait, but am sure these are all original examples.

If the soutached cap is dated Aug '42 or later it should be examined more closely.

I remember when the only Brandts around were the 842's without soutache. For years this was the case, Then recently more and more showed up with the soutache and dates 842 & 1142 etc. Now the Brandts dated Aug or later without soutache are just about the only original version.

With that here is the exception, An original 842 with original soutache application.... what do you think of the workmanship on the soutache ?

[Tim O'Keefe]

Paolo

Thanks for posting additional pics of your very interesting cap.
Iv'e never seen another one like this before. It was on estand correct ?
Looks good to me though i can't say about the four sets of air-vents ?

[derka]

Just for comparizon, another Hans Brandt 842 :



derka

[PAOLORUBENS]

Not sure

... the first Pz. Gr ( 2 grommets ) was in E-Stand weeks ago , the 4 grommets comes from a friend ( DAK and Pz. Gr. collector ) , it was years ago and I am not sure if was offered me or I got it from E-Stand .... what about the fact grommets are not the common ones ?

[B. N. Singer]

.... may I have your opinion ?

IMO, the soutach application on this example (Recon HB) is not typical of this manufacturer; that and given the date, I would suspect that the piping has been applied post war.

B. N. Singer