KM named Tellermütze / DD cap with 3 covers

[tubist73]

Hello all,

I would value any opinions from experts out there regarding these Tellermütze parts, named to the same man. I bought this little lot when living in Germany a few years ago, apparently from a former neighbour of the original owner. At the time I never thought to ask for more details (which I really regret).

There is one headband with KM tally (size 56 and named); one blue cover (with RBNr., named but no insignia); another blue cover (with separate eagle/cockade and anchor badges attached): one white cover (originally with no insignia).

I am not very knowledgeable about KM items so would appreciate any comments, especially about the small anchor badge and eagle on the blue cover.

Here are two front shots with white and blue covers. The insignia on the white cover is not from this lot but has been added by me (to avoid removing the original badges from the blue cover):

[tubist73]

Here are shots of the headband and KM tally, front and back:

[tubist73]

Next, shots of the interior flap, with RBNr. underneath the name tag. I can't work out what the name might be - it looks like 'Sis?kke'. Any thoughts?

[tubist73]

Here are two shots of the original wartime blue cover, with RBNr. and name tag but no insignia attached:

[tubist73]

Next is the white cover made of something like corduroy material. There is also a cloth flap inside to provide protection behind the insignia.

[tubist73]

Finally, here is the second blue cover. I suspect this may be a post-war addition by the owner. The eagle, cockade and anchor badge were all attached (see 2nd image). I am not sure about the eagle myself, but have no real knowledge to be sure. There is a casting fault/hole on the eagle's head and it is secured by two pins, one on each wing.

I would also like to know something about the anchor insignia, if anyone recognizes it.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

Matthew

[CSForrester]

The crossed Anchor with key is the logo of the german Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen shipping company.
All parts look good and period for me.

Regards
Markus

[JustinG]

I like what I am seeing as well. I have not seen a summer (white) version with this kind of material before.
Everything else seems fine. Personally as a recommendation, I would be careful about excessive removing and applying the eagle and cockade. The pins on these are quite fragile and could break off.
Just a suggestion.

Best regards,
JustinG

[Kondor]

I like both hat bases and two of the tops. The white one however looks to be a Bundesmarine top. They used the corduroy material after the war. Both my Teller and Korvettenkapitan white tops have the waffle pattern which was used during WW2. I'm not the best with a camera, but here are a couple of shots of my Tellermutze. I know, the Cap Tally is pre-war The other cap badge on the blue one................Bremen association of some sort. He could have been assigned to the U-Bunker facility located there.

[CSForrester]

The silber badge is 100% a collar-, cap- or shoulderboard badge of the Norddeutscher Lloyd. I collected Uniforms and insignias of german shipping companies for long time. Nothing related to Navy or uboat.

Markus

[tubist73]

Thank you for the feedback so far everyone.

Markus - thanks for identifying the crossed anchor/key badge. I have of course heard of the company Hapag-Lloyd before but did not realise anything about its earlier activities. Is there a chance the former owner of these caps could have worked for them before/after the war? Maybe he wore this blue cover (minus the separate eagle) at re-unions? Or maybe I am just being too creative in my thinking!

JustinG and Kondor - I also have not seen this style of white cover before, but then my knowledge in this area is limited.

Kondor - I just looked at several Bundesmarine caps online and on the WAF. I can see several similarities in the corduroy pattern. The postwar caps, however, seem to have a much lighter material, different construction and the 'stripes' on the top go diagonally. On this cover the lines go from front to back. It looks like a much heavier design.

Does anyone have any white Bundesmarine covers that are similar to this in material and design? I would be interested in some detailed comparison shots (most online are poor resolution).

Keep the comments coming!

Matthew

[CSForrester]

Matthew - may be, he wore this badge during the war as an inofficial unit badge. For example, many sailors from the Bremen, which broke through the blockade when war started, served then in the navy. Or he belonged to the crew of a former NDL-Steamer which served during the war as a naval transporter, Sperrbrecher, lazarettship or...

Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen and Hapag were united after the war, around 1970 to the new Hapag-Lloyd. Until then they were two indipendent companies.

Markus

[Kondor]

I know that the current BW Marine tops have a different pattern with the cord, but this looks like a 50's era top that the gentleman may have picked up when they became available. You have two really nice blue tops. When I got my White top Teller, it came with a matching blue top. Now I'm looking for a bottom to marry up the top and have two Teller Muetze for the collection.

[John R.]

Cap tallies from the line as an example of the logo. These tallies were normally used as souvenir tallies, sold or given to passengers. This was common in nearly all shipping lines worldwide between the wars.

John

[Kondor]

Great Tallies John Thanks for sharing those! I stick to the KM, but have been tempted numerous times to pick up a few of these!