Luftwaffe Flak EM visor (Gustav Binner)

[PaulW]

Hi, appreciate any feedback on this cap.

I've done a search on the Forum and found other examples of this maker with the exact same maker markings and size font type, though it appears to be a rare maker.

I found the Unit here:-

http://www.ww2.dk/ground/flak/abt/le84.html

The Unit markings seem to correspond, the Leichte Flak Abteilung 84 (motorized) was formed from II/ Flak Regiment 14 in 1938, and you can see that earlier Unit crossed out as expected. Looks like the Unit had an eventful life, France, Russia, France again (Normandy), then the Ardennes attached to Kampfgruppe Peiper!

It seems to have very little wear, and was descibed by the seller as "Mint". On the original photo I have, I think I can make out light wear/ sweat-stains at the front of the sweat-band (there are also the initials), but I don't mind that!

It has a 1st pattern eagle which I assume is OK for a 1938 cap as (I think) it was still the transitional period for the change-over to the 2nd pattern?

Regards, Paul

[PaulW]

2

2

[PaulW]

3

3

[PaulW]

4

4

[PaulW]

5

5

[nonameno]

Hi Paul,
I think you have done your homework very well, and I agree with your findings. In my opinion, everything is fine and original with this issue type visor cap.
Thank you,
Curtiss

[stonemint]

Nice hat, and it is hard to find contract caps in this condition....

[PaulW]

Thanks

Many thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

I have fellow WAF member Willem of Tarn Militaria in the Netherlands to thank for this.

As a point of interest one of the things that adds interest for me is that not only has the maker been lost to history, but also the town (at least as a German town) itself! Breslau is of course now Wroclaw in modern Poland. Ohlauer Strasse was next to the Rathaus (Town Hall) and I have added a picture of the street (taken in 1916), and a comparison shot of the same street, now renamed "ul. Oławska" (taken in 2013). On the modern photo, the street is to the right in the picture.

I was quite surprised to see that the look of the town, at least in this part, is quite well preserved despite the massive damage done to Breslau/ Wroclaw in 1945.

Best regards, Paul