W-SS EM Peaked cap salty

[Scott A. Hess]

I bought (last from Bob) a nice Kar98 bayonet with frog and totenkopf hat button applied to the frog, its exactly as Bob said, and one look and it is impossible to put it there today in the condition it is in how its done. I trust him. It wasn't a pie in the sky price, and I am happy with it, Im sure as with this hat, it would draw "suspicions" which is not a bad thing, as we all must be wary of items, but Bob has always been the source, he never has 15 SS jackets, etc etc, he has what he has, and still finds wonderful pieces. He never went "internet" so many newer collectors dont know him, but he was and I always considered him my mentor and taught me most all I know, for that Im very thankful. He would always let me look at anything, everything, for hours, days, showing me this and that, and thats uncommon today, to find one who will take the time and who has the knowledge to help 13 year olds, but he did! Its when I didnt remember some of his "rules" that got me into trouble.

[phild]

I see the cap as 100% real and as described in the listing. I too have known Bob for over 30 years now.

This cap is a real rule breaker and I always love to see that, because the body of collectors are always so sure that they have seen and understand everything...and they can not be more wrong.

I never saw nor would I believe that a cap would be faked with these characteristics back in the 1970s (or even since) because they did not know enough (or give a darn) back then for this sophistication of aging and wear. Only an idiot would build one like this today because they need textbook looking fake in order to pass them off---so that is exactly what the best fakes look like.

Also for me anyway, this one strike me as a not so late war cap, but I realize that 90% of the other collectors who look at (and believe pre45) will disagree with me on that.

[jacquesf]

This is the type of ww2 german militaria that gets my juices flowing. Some of these things don't need to be discussed, they just speak fore themselves. This is one of them. Jacques

[Kreager]

Definitely not a cookie cutter cap. Very out of the norm.

[Kurt Meyer]

i wouldn't mind a salty visor with this price !!

What will they do in price in these times?

[BenVK]

Interesting cap. It's had a hard life which explains the weave being exposed on the centre band. All the nap has been worn off, it's not a ribbed material, that's just the weave.

I agree with the comments that no one in their right mind would build a cap like this to try and fool us because it has so many odd features. The cheese cloth liner (very much like the Heer Officers M43/Bergmutze thingy cap I have) plus the overlapping piping at the front, green peak? rayon piping?

Textbook it ain't but I do like it.

[dhcoleterracina]

I hadn't felt that the cap band was made of a gaberdine weave as one commented but I guess the photos make it look that way. It does look worn as BenVK stated. I took a couple more of the band at the side and back to give a better view. Looking at the new photos they give the same impression so there's not much that I can add, sorry.

I was unaware that the Cracked Pot was still around but glad that others felt how I feel about their professionalism. I had told one of them that I liked SS cut off pieces and to keep me in mind if any came around. After a few months a envelope came in the mail with their card saying that if I liked it I was to pay $20. Those were the days. Many thanks for all who spoke on the cap. Dexter

[Scott A. Hess]

NIce Dexter! The Cracked Pot is still alive and kicking, Bob sent me today pics of something he just picked up, a real gem!

[Arran]

NIce Dexter! The Cracked Pot is still alive and kicking, Bob sent me today pics of something he just picked up, a real gem!

Something "U boat" by chance?

[BenVK]

Well, I must apologise. That isn't just the weave showing through a very worn felt band at all.

[BenVK]

Have you done the obvious check that this isn't a re-banded Heer cap?

[Jon Fish]

Hi,could you pm me details to get in touch with the 'pot' thanks!

[BenVK]

I have such a strong feeling I've seen this cap before somewhere...

[dhcoleterracina]

Ben I bought the cap in the early eighties and it hasn't been photographed until now, someone suggested that there is some connection between Peter Manzie and myself and there is not any connection of any kind. I think it was because Peter was the first to comment on the Heer O/S cap with SS insignia that I posted a few days ago. In that case I posted another non-standard ss item and people get suspicious [maybe I would as well]. There is no sign of rebanding that I have ever seen. Dexter

[CurtD]

So what exactly is this cap? It obviously has no RZM markings and is not of RZM quality. That said, it is not to private purchase standards either (even though NCO private purchase caps are rare). So is this a late-war, field-made cap?

I never have quite understood about the excessive flashing around the stamped eagle. Sometimes this is the sign of a really bad cast. Sometimes it is the sign of a 100% original. Would someone please describe how to tell?

Thanks