BACKGROUND: German Naval uniforms and headgear were based on traditional designs that date back to the creation of the Prussian Navy in 1848, and although uniforms and headgear did evolve during the interim years many items used during the Third Reich would still have been quite recognizable to the Imperial sailor. Visor caps were a standard item for all personnel during the Third Reich period and regulations dictated the form of dress they were to be worn with based on the individuals rank. The Kriegsmarine adopted wear of the new national eagle on the front of the headgear and the right breast of the uniform on March 24TH 1934. The Kriegsmarine’s version of the national eagle was identical to the army version except for the coloration with the army utilizing silver, white and grey eagles while the Kriegsmarine utilized golden yellow eagles. Of Note: The only exceptions in the coloration of the Kriegsmarine cap eagles was that personnel serving in the Administrative branch utilized a silver eagle while EM/NCO’s wore a cornflower blue eagle on the white overseas caps. Also Of Note: Due to the silver insignia the Administrative personnel were contemptuously referred to as Silberlinge, (Silvered Ones). Generally officers ranks utilized a hand embroidered eagle on their visor caps while EM/NCO’s more commonly used a metal national eagle. The national eagle for wear on the visor cap varied from that worn on the Donald Duck cap as the visor cap eagle was a bit larger.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Gilt washed, aluminum construction, national eagle features out-stretched wings and is clutching a wreathed, canted, swastika in it’s talons. Maker marked. Original pin. Super nice!