NSDAP Gauleiter Visor Cap | 1939 Transitional

Rare to market

Between 1938 and 1939 an entirely new NSDAP uniform and ranking insignia system was being developed. Some elements of these changes took place in early 1939. This included updating existing visor caps with the new golden oakleaves insignia. In this instance, the owner, at Gauleiter rank, left his M1936 golden eagle/swastika emblem in place.

The 1939 transitional Gauleiter visor cap with tan brown wool twill crown, brown velvet capband and red piping.The cap retaining a beautiful quality gold plated M1936 pattern eagle & swastika along with the newly introduced oak leaves with enamel swastika cockade. The cap retains a set of golden bullion wire capcords. The lining in a particularly high quality tan-coloured silk and with a full celluloid diamond. Tan coloured leather sweatband with silver blocked designation, Stirndruckfrei, Deutsches Reichspatent. RZM, linen stores label behind the sweatband.

Condition report: Excellent overall towards near mint condition. The cap free from moth. Insignia with 98% gilt plate finish remaining.  Lining showing just lightest service use. Celluliod diamond intact. Sweatband showing light use. Some later threads at the front of the cap, where the sweatband has come slightly loose at that point.

Provenance: Collection Lionello