SS Visor from SS Wiking Div veteran

[BenVK]

Nice cap, Ben.

Even if they are "run-o-the-mill" and/or "Service-Duty" - I still think the Kleiderkasse visors for SS Officer were some of the best looking caps made.

Looks good from about 5 feet away..

In terms of quality and workmanship, it's pretty poor to be honest even for a Kleiderkasse cap but then again, it's a perfect snapshot of the era and the whole Kleiderkasse system. Contrary to belief, not every SS Officer had the opportunity to walk into an SS clothing store and pick and choose, they had to mail order their uniforms. It's on record that delays and disappointments were numerous so when Renz got this cap, spots on the visor and poor stitching included, what's he going to do? complain and send it back? Not likely..

Likewise, I believe the miss match in insignia (zink eagle and aluminium skull) to be the original items. Had I posted the Deschler Skull on it's own on the SS forum, it would have generated a lot of salivating and desire. The eagle not so much.

Who was it that persuaded all the rest of us that these things are worth so much and in which order? It's like the faceless people involved in the money markets and stock exchanges that have convinced the rest of the world that bits of paper and the numbers on a computer screen are worth tens of millions. A $1000 for an SS visor cap skull on it's own? $2000 for an aluminium one? ridiculous!

[BenVK]

Sorry, I didn't want this to turn into a rant about prices and valuations.

I created this tribute to Manfred Renz, a warrior of the Wiking Division.

[N.C. Wyeth]

Looks good from about 5 feet away..

In terms of quality and workmanship, it's pretty poor to be honest even for a Kleiderkasse cap but then again, it's a perfect snapshot of the era and the whole Kleiderkasse system.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

I bet to the un-trained ear, guy's like us gotta' sound like a bunch of "Cap Snobs", talking like we do . . .

[NickG]

Outstanding forensics on the vulcanfibre bill of this visor! I am convinced. This cap survived in this condition
as it was his "Best dress" (home leave) uniform cap. I the field he wore pink piped (converted Heer?) beat up crusher caps,
a much better choice with his Pz headsets!

[stonemint]

Great score, Ben (probably the most historical one I have seen this year).
Let's hope 2017 is just as good to you!

[billbert]

Congrats and thanks for making this cap TALK..What was Dr Renzs fate ???Billbert

[Jeff V]

Congrats on that fabulous find and nice detective work!

[phild]

Some good points being made in the thread. IMO the Kleiderkasse typically offered caps and other items at different qualities and price points....it least to some extent. I also believe that there were certain standards that contractors had to comply with in order to deliver to them and do business with them.

As for certain aspects of quality and insignia materials, I agree that to most every officer, NCO or soldier, these details were and are a complete blank stare!! Even if they ever half looked at their own insignia most of the painted zink looked about as good at the aluminum or cuppal insignia the first couple of years it was in use.

Most everything that the so-called collector community values now in these areas meant nothing then, conversely many things that were of importance then with uniforms and equipment are lost on collectors now.

[Tim O'Keefe]

Hi Ben

Really nice cap with its history. Condition and features also an added plus.

a Panther Recon Platoon is a pretty serious recon. Thats not just to locate & spot targets, but to drive the enemy out of positions with the near invincible Panthers (with the front armor) with other recon elements out in front of the Panthers to locate targets. The Germans were much more advanced than the Allies when it came to recon. With some heavy firepower attached to the recon units while the Allied recon was much more used in the traditional way, to snoop and scoot.

Happy New Years
Tim

[Niederlande]

Congrats Ben and Happy NewYear

[jacquesf]

Another good hunt Ben. You sure have the midas touch. You know what to do with it when you are tired of it. J

[Ian Hulley]

Superb cap and those are fantastic insignia ... spot or no spot

Congratulations, Ian.

[SgtB]

Nothing wrong with that one! Great info too.

[KC1]

Ben,

It's always nice to hear about the unforgotten souls who fought in this war. Congrats on an epic addition to your collection.

[BenVK]

Congrats and thanks for making this cap TALK..What was Dr Renzs fate ???Billbert

This is what I've found. Taken from here: http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtop...68482&start=30

SS-Obersturmführer
Dr. Manfred Renz
Born: 28.7.1920
Died: 6.6.1987
Service:
Joined the SS in 1.10.1939
SS-A.A. VT
SS-Junkerschule Tölz
Zugfhr. Aufklärungszug/II./SS-Pz.Rgt.5 "Wiking"
OO./SS-Pz.Rgt.5
Adjutant./SS-P.Rgt.5
Chef 8./SS-Pz.Rgt.5 (For a short time)
Lived in Heilbronn when he died.