Posted 9 years ago
bluemax1914
(71 items)
Weimar Republic Reichsheer Pioneer Visor Cap
This model of visor cap was introduced for wear in 1920 for the new "Reichsheer", Germany's greatly reduced post Versailles army.
It standardized many features which later is to define the headgear of the Third Reich- namely the two-buckled leather chinstrap, the wreath surrounding the cockade on the cap band, and the colour "waffenfarbe" piping system that denoted branch of service. This particular cap is piped in black for the Pioneers (Engineers), and is marked to Pioneer Battalion 2 of Prussia and dated 1927. The 2nd Battalion was attached to, and is so marked, to the 2.Division, which was formed in January of 1921 from the Reichswehr-Brigade 2 and Reichswehr-Brigade 9, both of the former Übergangsheer. The 2.Division was based in Stettin. The commander of the 2.Division also served as the head of the regional Wehrkreiskommando of the same number, in this case, Wehrkreis II. It too was based in Stettin. There were seven Wehrkreiskommandos in the Reichswehr, each one relating to a specific Reichwehr division, numbers 1-7. The commander of each thus served a duel role as the commander of the Wehrkreis and the commander of the division in question.
Overall the condition shows moderate wear- mainly to the ersatz leather sweatband- and some minor moth nips to the crown. Reichsheer caps are far more rare than either their predecessors of the Imperial Army or their successors, those of the Third Reich.
We learn something new everyday. Fascinating piece.
Don't remember ever seeing one of these before.