This is not a common piece of headgear and I don't believe there are many (original) examples out there. I just picked this one up from an unlikely source, and it's a keeper for me that I'd like to share.
As you probably know, SS Helferin didn't have standard SS ranks, but they did have a rank structure of their own that included senior leadership such as Chef Oberaufseherin (Chief Senior Overseer) and Lagerführerin (Camp Leader). This cap is likely from one of them, although is could have belonged to a senior female helper serving in any of the ~ 12 tiers considered ranking above the rest.
The few original examples of these that I've found are typically thin cap wool with a standard white bevo sleeve eagle hand-sewn to the front. They are lined with black synthetic material, rarely have size markings, and do not have manufacturer stamps. They have no ventilation holes or sweatbands.
The cut is unique to the SS and differed completely from the army or civic patterns, with a greatly exaggerated curved "schiffchen" shape. The body did not have false flaps, was cut deep, and had a generous center fold that could expand to accommodate various hairstyles like an accordion. Oddly, these caps are the only piece of headgear I've seen where the inside seams are serged to keep them from unraveling, but are raw and completely visible on the inside. There isn't too much to these in terms of materials, and they are relatively floppy when compared to standard side cap.
This cap is made of a higher grade of wool, with a liner constructed from a heavy rayon or silk, and has a hand-applied flatwire eagle. I believe the combination of quality insignia and materials indicate the wearer was someone of higher station in the SS Helferin structure. The fine nap is well worn away on the exterior, but retained in the deep exterior folds. There is sweat and probable hair/face products staining the edges.
If anyone else has one of these to post, please feel free to jump in. Any features I have got wrong or over-simplified, I'd also welcome comments.
s/f Robert
As you probably know, SS Helferin didn't have standard SS ranks, but they did have a rank structure of their own that included senior leadership such as Chef Oberaufseherin (Chief Senior Overseer) and Lagerführerin (Camp Leader). This cap is likely from one of them, although is could have belonged to a senior female helper serving in any of the ~ 12 tiers considered ranking above the rest.
The few original examples of these that I've found are typically thin cap wool with a standard white bevo sleeve eagle hand-sewn to the front. They are lined with black synthetic material, rarely have size markings, and do not have manufacturer stamps. They have no ventilation holes or sweatbands.
The cut is unique to the SS and differed completely from the army or civic patterns, with a greatly exaggerated curved "schiffchen" shape. The body did not have false flaps, was cut deep, and had a generous center fold that could expand to accommodate various hairstyles like an accordion. Oddly, these caps are the only piece of headgear I've seen where the inside seams are serged to keep them from unraveling, but are raw and completely visible on the inside. There isn't too much to these in terms of materials, and they are relatively floppy when compared to standard side cap.
This cap is made of a higher grade of wool, with a liner constructed from a heavy rayon or silk, and has a hand-applied flatwire eagle. I believe the combination of quality insignia and materials indicate the wearer was someone of higher station in the SS Helferin structure. The fine nap is well worn away on the exterior, but retained in the deep exterior folds. There is sweat and probable hair/face products staining the edges.
If anyone else has one of these to post, please feel free to jump in. Any features I have got wrong or over-simplified, I'd also welcome comments.
s/f Robert
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