BACKGROUND: The first pattern SS overseas cap was introduced in June 1934 for wear by EM/NCO’s serving with the Allgemeine-SS, (General-SS), the SS-Totenkopfverbände, (SS-Death’s Head Units), and the SS-Verfügungstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops), which were to become the cadre of the Waffen-SS, (Armed-SS). In 1937 an earth grey version of the first pattern cap was introduced and worn until a second pattern, overseas cap for EM/NCO’s was introduced on November 1ST 1940. The M40 overseas cap was produced in field-grey for most personnel and black for panzer personnel and was similar in cut to the Luftwaffe’s "schiffchenform", (boat-form), overseas cap and was worn for the duration of the war. In 1939 the Waffen-SS adopted waffenfarben, (Branch of Service Colors), with each branch of service being allocated a specific identifying color with golden yellow being chosen for Cavalry personnel. Originally the waffenfarbe was displayed as a soutache on the front of the overseas cap until regulations of October 1942 abolished the use of the soutache and instructed it to be removed from the caps, although the directive was not strictly adhered to. Of Note: The Officers version of the M40 overseas cap was introduced in December 1939 and was slightly different then the EM/NCO’s version and was intended to be adopted for wear by all Officers as of January 1ST 1940. Prior to the introduction of this overseas cap Waffen-SS Officers had no regulation field headgear and it was not uncommon for them to use the Army M38 overseas caps. On its introduction all Officers M40 overseas caps were piped in silver/aluminum braid until regulations of November 1ST 1940 restricted wear of the silver/aluminum braid for Officers holding the rank of SS-Oberführer to Reichsführer-SS, while Officers with the ranks of SS-Untersturmführer to SS-Standartenführer utilized white piping.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Field-grey wool/rayon blend construction M40 overseas cap with fold down side and back panels that slope gently downwards to the front center. Insignia has been removed, but you can still clearly see the outlines from where is was. The interior of the cap is fully lined in rayon. The lining is well marked with a black size inkstamp, "57". The cap is in overall good condition with areas of light to moderate nap wear and age and usage toning through-out.