BACKGROUND: The "S.A.-Wehrmannschaft" (S.A.-Defense-troops) were formed in January 1939 to provide pre- and post-military training to all civilian males aged 18 to 65 years old. Originally, standard S.A. uniforms and headgear were worn until the official introduction of a S.A.-W. uniform in December 1939. One of the items introduced was a distinctive forage cap, based on the Italian "Bustina" field cap, with a national eagle and swastika sewn to its upper left side and an S.A. cockade to its front.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: SA tan/brown, wool/rayon blend cap with fold down sides and back panel. Attached to the front of the cap is a three-piece cockade consists of a fluted black bakelite base with a stamped, silver washed alloy rosette featuring embossed S.A. runes to its top, through whose cut-outs may be seen an inserted red wool background. The rosette is crimped top and bottom through to the reverse of the bakelite base, with extended tabs to each side to attach the cockade to the cap. The the left side is the typical SA eagle with original hand stitching. Nice complete liner and leather sweatband. Printed, ink stamped oilcloth RZM tag stitched under sweatband. Size 60!. Near mint, excellent cap.