November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/7/2018
In 1935, the German Navy, identified as the "Reichsmarine" from the previous Weimar Republic, was renamed the "Kriegsmarine" and began its naval rearmament. This rearmament was, however, in direct violation of the restrictions placed upon Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after the First World War. The restrictions placed on Germany, however, did not stop Germany from building some of the most iconic battleships of the war, such as the "Graf Spee", the "Bismarck", or the "Tirpitz". However, arguably the most famous of all the Kreigsmarine vessels were the Uboats and their "wolf pack" tactics which devastated British and American shipping during the first half of the war. The overall condition of the Kreigsmarine Officer's Removable White Top Visor is near mint. The removable top is made of a white piqued cotton that shows slight yellowing and a few pea-sized brown stains on the crown. The front of the white top has a gilded brass Kreigmarine eagle attached with one center prong pushed through the fabric. The band of the visor is made of a coarse black wool, and has gold bullion naval wreath and cockade sewn to it. The band shows no signs of damage. The insignia shows no signs of damage and also has taken on a nice patina from age. The leather chin-cord is securely fastened to the visor's band with two gilded brass naval buttons that feature the anchor and rope motif of the Kreigsmarine. The leather of the chinstrap shows no signs of damage or abuse. The bill of the visor is covered with a black cotton fabric, and is embroidered with gold bullion laurel leaves, signifying staff grade officers. The edge of the bill is wrapped with a thin black lacquered strip of leather. The bill is near mint and the bullion has a slight patina. The interior of the visor is made of an artificial silk that shows signs of sweat staining throughout from use. The leather sweatband is attached to the visor lining by machine stitching and a 3" area has become loose from the bill. The visor's celluloid sweat shield is nearly 100% intact and features the manufacturer's name and address stenciled to the lining under the shield.