SS Kepi

[Bob Hritz]

While going through boxes I had packed away over the decades, I found this kepi. I must have bought it in the late 1970's or early 1980's.

The front flap has the reverse of a round 'press fit' button but the front button is missing. The liner is standard waterproof material and is devoid of markings. The sweatband is very brittle and tore when I tried to turn it down. The chin strap is non-regulation and wider than the Heer or Luftwaffe types. It is a laquered leather and is very stiff and brittle. The eagle and skull are both nickle and appear never to have had any silver plate. The visor has a heavy edge with what appears to be a reinforcing material on the top interior wool. The flaps will come down but the remains of the button, on the front, is purely decorative. The skull is partially blocked by the chin strap. I have slightly lifted the front flap, in the first photo.

I would like to find a period replacement of the button which is a 'press fit' type.

Go ahead and discuss this cap. I never did know if it was authentic, but always believed it to be.

[Bob Hritz]

Illustrates the stud from the 'press fit' button

Help me find a replacement, please....

Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

Side view. The front of the kepi is distinctively sloped rearward. The entire top appears to be slightly larger than the bottom, but this could be an illusion.

Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

Interior showing waterproof lining on top and sides. The grommets are black laquered steel or iron.

Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

Another interior shot.

Bob Hritz

[Bob Coleman]

Bob-
It is possible the original owner removed the button. For some reason, around 50% of the period SS kepis I have encountered over the years are missing this button. I have seen at least one that never had one.
Bob
PS: I think one of these days you are going to open up an old box and find Jimmy Hoffa.

[Bob Hritz]

Hello Bob,

SHHHHHH about Hoffa!

This was in a box from my Ex-Wife, Carol. She did save a lot of my stuff for me and I brought this back when Danny brought it over thge day before I left Chicago.

So, all in all, Bob, what do you think? If it is a mistake, I won't be hurt.

Bob Hritz

[Bob Coleman]

Bob-
Your kepi is not impossible at all. As most kepis were manufactured early, there are numerous manufacturing variations. Most of those I have seen have black linngs similar to the early visor caps. However, it is not improbable that a SS kepi would have similar construction to the SA kepis. In the early days, the SS was a very small organization. Looks good from the images.
Bob

PS: Sorry. Jimmy is not in one of your boxes. He is on that farm in Michigan along with Elvis living an obscure life

[Donald Abenheim]

Illustrates the stud from the 'press fit' button

Help me find a replacement, please....

Bob Hritz

A nice piece and a useful corrective to all the fakes. You could also use a normal side button for an enlisted peaked cap, as well.

[Bob Hritz]

Final front photo with flap in correct position and skull partially covered by the chin band and the band taught in this position. The chin band is permanently bowed and worn where it rests on the bones. I am so tempted to move the skull higher, and find a proper chin strap, but have learned to leave things alone.

[Donald Abenheim]

Vorsicht!

Final front photo with flap in correct position and skull partially covered by the chin band and the band taught in this position. The chin band is permanently bowed and worn where it rests on the bones. I am so tempted to move the skull higher, and find a proper chin strap, but have learned to leave things alone.

Do leave the badges where they are. I would also leave the chin strap, too. Just because the slider is absent does not really mean very much. The authentic chin straps are very distinctive in their appearance and it is very difficult to duplicate such a thing without compromising the piece. Your sole chore is to find the black button, in fact. A mothed out army Tellermuetze will offer up its remnants in a case like this. Such wear to the chin of the Totenschaedel is always an excellent sign of authenticity and a slight detail that imparts a sense of originality.

[Bob Hritz]

Hello Donald,

I take heed of your words of wisdon. In younger and less experienced years, I had attempted to improve the condition, of items, with usually less than satisfactory results. Now my work is limited to the trusty Fuller clothing brush to de-lint and keep cloth looking as fresh as it was at the time of my acquisition. That, and the constant addition of moth balls, to the cases, is about all I can do to prevent the ravages of time and the hands of overzealous collectors. Less is better, I have learned, and original is enough.

Bob Hritz

ps: It's been 3 decades since a Fuller Brush Man knocked at the door. I could use a few new brushes. Are they kaput?

[Donald Abenheim]

Viel Sammlerglueck.

Hello Donald,

I take heed of your words of wisdon. In younger and less experienced years, I had attempted to improve the condition, of items, with usually less than satisfactory results. Now my work is limited to the trusty Fuller clothing brush to de-lint and keep cloth looking as fresh as it was at the time of my acquisition. That, and the constant addition of moth balls, to the cases, is about all I can do to prevent the ravages of time and the hands of overzealous collectors. Less is better, I have learned, and original is enough.

Bob Hritz

ps: It's been 3 decades since a Fuller Brush Man knocked at the door. I could use a few new brushes. Are they kaput?

Forgive me being so didactic, but your kepi is very nice and it needs next to no embellishments. I brush headwear with a thing I bought at the Christmas market in Berlin, made by some east German brush maker. Not an option for all, to be sure. Next time I go, I shall fetch you one. I have no idea where the Fuller brush man has gone. Likely extinct with so much other Americana that imparts a sense of order and familiarity in a fairly insane, globalized and homogenized 21st century. When in doubt, one can follow the guidance on care and maintenance as found in the booklet: Der Bekleidungsunteroffizier. Many wise tips, there. Congratulations on your remarkable kepi and we share your pleasure in a rediscovery after so many decades. "Original is enough" forms an excellent Parole. Granted the avalanche of these fake black kepis, this piece is extraordinary.

[Bob Coleman]

ps: It's been 3 decades since a Fuller Brush Man knocked at the door. I could use a few new brushes. Are they kaput?

Bob-
www.fullerbrush.info/ Still around and selling on line
Bob

[Bob Hritz]

Bob,

Did you notice that Fuller does not have a single clothing brush on their site?

When I was in you youth, every man wore a hat and overcoat. Clothing brushes were a necessity for keeping your coats, suits and hats looking fresh. Not to mention, keeping the nap up on material makes for a longer lasting garment. Men looked like men and I recall always having a hat to match my Sunday suit.

I guess I never grew out of that habit.

Bob Hritz