Development of the SS Uniform

THE DEVELOPMENT

1921-1922

Red NSDAP brassard with white circle and black swastika was worn on civilian dress and the old army uniforms of ex-soldiers and members of numerous pro-Nazi Free Corps.

1922-1923

NSDAP banned.

February 1923

With the re-organisation of the NSDAP an attempt was made to standardize the clothing of the SA. Its members were ordered to wear field grey breeches, grey wind jackets, and the forerunner of the SA cap, a grey ski cap with the black, white and red national comade in front.

May 1923

The Adolf Hitler Shock Troop was formed, and wore army uniforms, NSDAP brassard. and grey ski cap with national cocade above a white metal skull badge.

November 1925

Brown chosen as the colour of the SA uniform. The newly formed SS wore black caps, ties and edging to the brassard.

September 1925

SS Musterbefehl der SS Oberleitung dated 29.9.25, ordered that in future the skull will be worn above the cocade on the cap.

August 1929

Coloured cap bands and collar patches with unit numbering introduced for the SA. By this date the SS uniform had become reasonably standardised.

June-Sept 1930

Brown shirt banned in certain states.

1931

SS awarded their motto MEINE EHRE HEISST TREUE. (My honour is loyalty).

April to June 1932

NSDAP uniform banned throughout Germany, Publication of first SA and SS dress regulations.

May 1932

Introduction of new badges of rank.

July 1934

First SS dress regulations published.

THE TRADITIONAL UNIFORM

The name given to the SS brown shirt uniform after the introduction in 1932 of the new black service uniform. By 1932 the traditional uniform had become reasonably standardised although there were still variations in the colour of both shirts and breeches. During 1933 senior regular SS leaders were equipping themselves with the new black uniform while the part-time rank and file continued to wear the brown shirt. During the summer of 1935 the brown shirt was worn as a summer uniform for the last time, and by 1936 the black uniform had been issued to the whole SS. During the transitional period it was not uncommon to see items of the old and new uniforms being worn together.

DIENSTMUTZE - Service cap

Black cloth SS cap with matching peak. Black leather chin strap for all ranks.Twisted cord around the crown of the cap according to rank; Untersturmfuhrer up to and inc. Standartenfuhrer; Black and silver (Black orwhite) twisted cord. Oberfuhrer up to and inc. Reichsfurhrer-SS . Silver twisted cord.

DIENSTBLUSE - Shirt

Brown cotton drill shirt with 4 black leather and two horn buttons downthe front. Two parallel breast pockets with pleats and buttoned flaps. Cuffslinked with two black leather buttons. Six metal belt hooks attached to thewaistband. Stand and fall collar edged in twisted cord according to rank. SS-Mann up to and incl. Obertruppfuhrer ; 2mm black and white (laterblack and aluminium) twisted cord. SS-Sturmfuhrer up to and intl. SS-Sturmhauptfuhrer ( Later Obersturmfuhrer).2mm black and aluminium twisted cord. SS-Sturmbannfuhrer up to and incl. Reichsfuhrer-SS; 2mm aluminutwisted cord.

ABZEIGHEN - Insignia

All SS insignia worn on the shirt was subsequently worn on the black service uniform. and is described in the section dealing with insignia. There were however two pieces of insignia, that appear to have been worn on the shirt and not on the black uniform. The first was a white linen brassard with HILFSPOLIZEI printed on it in black letters. This was worn by SA and SS men, instead of their NSDAP brassard, when serving as auxiliary police in 1933. The second was a circular white badge 8.5mm in diameter on which was a red cross. This badge was worn by medical orderlies who had not passed the State Medical examination. It was worn on the upper left arm above the brssnard. The rest of the uniform consisted of black breeches and boots, black leather waist belt and cross strap with nickel plated buckles and fittings. The equipment was the Imperial German army pattern and consisted of pack, ground sheet, water bottle, drinking cup, mess tin, and bread bag.

THE BLACK SS SERVICE UNIFORM

Introduced in 1932 with the first SA and SS dress regulations. For a short time the black SS uniform was worn concurrently with the traditional uniform. The cut of the black uniform was the same for all ranks, but the quality of the cloth of leaders uniforms was superior. Leaders often had their uniforms privately made, which accounts for detailed variations in quality and cut. After the setting up of the Reichszeugmeisterei (Quarter Master General) a remarkable degree of standardization was achieved. However impressive the black uniform looked. it was not suited to the increasingly varied roles that the SS was called upon to play. As early as 1935 certain SS units were issued with grey uniforms identical in cut to the black ones.

After the outbreak of war black uniforms were seldom worn.

As SS men had not been issued with overcoats at this date, they were lent police ones, stripped of insignia.

SS SERVICE DRESS LIST. 15.12.34

SS Service tunic. - Black twill

SS Service tunic. - Black cloth

SS Service tunic. - Black gabardine

SS Service tunic. - Earth grey twill

SS Breeches - Black twill

SS Breeches - Black cloth

SS Breeches - Black gabardine

SS breeches - Black twill

SS Breeches - Black cloth

SS Breeches - Black gabardine

SS Breeches - Black corduroy

SS Breeches - Earth grey twill

SS Trousers - Black twill

SS Trousers - Black cloth

SS Trousers - Earth grey twill

SS Overcoat - Black twill

SS Overcoat - Black cloth

SS Weatherproof cape Black pouch for weatherproof cape. - Black

Overcoat lapels - Silver grey cloth for Oberfuhrer and above.

As described in the original German as Stiefelhose as opposed to breeches.The difference was that breeches had a more pronounced curve on the outer seam and were not so hard wearing.

SS-DIENSTROCK - SS Service Tunic

Intl. SS Service tunic in black twill or gabardine for leaders.
SS Service tunic in black uniform cloth for men.
SS Service tunic in earth grey drill for all ranks.
Open single breasted tunic with four matt silver buttons in front. Two parallel breast pockets with centre pleats and buttoned flaps. Slashing slash side pockets with buttoned flaps. Single back vent with two matt silver buttons. Open collar edged in twisted cord according to rank. Turn back cuffs. All insignia was worn on the tunic.

SS-BREECHESHOSE (UND STIEFELHOSE) - SS Breeches

Inch. SS Breeches in black twill or gabardine for leaders.
SS Breeches in black cloth or corduroy for men.
SS Breeches in earth grey drill for all ranks.
Black cloth breeches with lace-up legs. Two front pockets, two back and a watch pocket, front and back pockets fastened with black plastic buttons.

SS-HOSE, LANG - SS Trousers

encl. SS Trousers in black twill for leaders.
SS Trousers in black cloth for men.
SS Trousers in earth grey drill for all ranks.
Long black trousers with white piping down the outside leg seam. Two side and two back pockets fastened with black plastic buttons. Black trousers were fastened under the instep with a leather strap. Earth grey drill trousers were not piped and had grey plastic buttons.

SS-DIENSTMANTEL SS - Service Overcoat

encl. SS Overcoat in black twill for leaders.
SS Overcoat in black cloth for men.

Double breasted overcoat with two parallel rows of six matt silver buttons down the front. Two slanting side pockets with flaps, collar edged in twisted cord according to rank. Leaders with the rank of SS-Oberfuhrer and above had silver grey lapels and piping down the front of the coat. All insignia was worn on the overcoat.

Andrew Mollo, "Uniforms of the SS, Vol. 1", Historical Research Unit, 1968

Heargear of the RAD

From 1932 until 1933, the FAD (Freiwilliger Arbeitsdienst- Voluntary Labor Service) wore a World War 1 period NCO or officer's visor cap with an earth-brown top piped in red, and a dark brown band. The visor was of the same color material with a raised protective ridge along its leading edge. The hat was generally worn with a leather chinstrap. However, on occasion, officers were noted wearing a silvered chincord with matching side buttons. NCO ranks wore a black leather chinstrap with metal fittings painted in black enamel. The insignia consisted of a standard cockade in the national colors (black-white-red). The center of this cockade was of red wool, bordered by an aluminum circle and having a serrated outer rim of black plastic or celluloid. This was pinned through the band and had centered above it the FAD badge-a spade flanked on each side by barley stalks. This badge was either of a silver color or made out of naturally colored aluminum metal.

In 1933, following the NSDAP'S assumption of power, the newly titled Labor Service (NS-Arbeitsdienst) introduced a more modern visor cap. This new cap had the traditional political pattern "saddle" form and consisted of a brownish blended woolen top and mounted on the center seam a silver metal-colored early style political eagle with black highlighted swastika. The hat band was of dark brown wool and had the national cockade pinned to its front. The piping colors matched either the top or the band depending on their location. The hat bill was in brown leather or fiber with the customary raised ridge along its edge. The whipcord indicated rank levels: a black Army-style leather chinstrap with lacquered metal fittings and side buttons was used to indicate ranks from Truppfuhrer to Oberstfeldmeister; a twisted silver whipcord was used for officers ftom Arbeitsfuhrer to Oberarbeitsfuhrer; and gilt chincord was used to designate the ranks of Arbeitsdienst-Inspektur to Staats-sekretar.

THE RAD "ROBIN HOOD" CAP

In 1933 a completely new type of cap was introduced for enlisted personnel and NCO ranks. It was a soft cap done in brownish blended wool, including the bill, and is often known as the "Robin Hood" cap. The hat body had a slight crease in the center of the crown and there were also creases in front of each of the sides, as well as a small circular metal air vent (sometimes two) in the hat body. The hat piping was the same color as the hat body and mounted along the leading edges of the cap's sides. The same piping, located approximately one inch (64 mm) from the edge of the visor, ran parallel to its leading edge. The hat band, in a darker brown wool was partially exposed where the side edges of the cap parted in the front.

The new insignia used on this cap consisted of a redesign of the original FAD silver metal badge, ie. a shovel instead of a spade (superimposed on two barley shafts the latter flanking it on the left and right of the shovel,) The swastika was black with a white outline and the edges of the shovel were outlined in red.

The popularity and unique form of this cap in RAD ranks led to its adoption in 1935 by the officer personnel. Differences existed in both piping and emblem manufcture to designate officers from other ranks. The RAD badge remained the same for enlisted and NCO ranks up to the rank of Obertruppfuhrer, while officers' badges were enameled. After 1935, non-officer ranks also wore black piping on the bill and side panels. Officers from the ranks of Unterfeldmeister to Oberarbeitsfuhrer had silver aluminum piping and gilt was used for the ranks of Generalarbeitsfuhrer to Reichsarbeitsfuhrer.

The above style headdress could also feature the unit or traditional badges of the RAD, which could be worn by all rank levels and were issued in stamped metal or enamel and worn on the left side panel of the cap.

RAD facilities, as with most other political organizations, had their own guards or doorkeepers. The headdress of these personnel consisted of a visor cap with an earthbrown woolen top and a dark brown band and with no piping. They took an Army style black leather chinstrap with metallic fittings and buttons also painted the same color. The visor was of black fiber and the insignia was composed of a national cockade on the band and with the standard RAD emblem pinned through the center seam.

THE OVERSEAS CAP

The FAD style overseas cap was of a brown blend of wool with no piping and the only insignia, a national cockade.

Prior to the outbreak of the war, an overseas cap was used by personnel of the RAD which could be worn with the working as well as with the service uniforms. The standard RAD insignia of painted metal for enlisted ranks and enameled for officers was worn on the front of the cap where the side panels were joined. Tne piping colors were regulated by rank and ran the full length of the side edges of the cap. Black piping was used by ranks of Unterfeldmeister to Arbeitsmann: Oberstarbeitsfuhrer toFeldmeister ranks had silver piping; general officers adopted gilt piping.

THE RAD M-43 CAP

An Austrian forage or M-43 style hat of earth-brown wool was also used during the war years by all ranks of the RAD. Its piping color followed the organizational levels described above with regard to the overseas cap and encircled the entire paneled edge of the cap. The ear flaps were secured in the front of the cap by two aluminum pebbled metal buttons. The RAD insignia was centered above the buttons on the upper cap body.

RAD FEMALE HEADDRESS

During the war, all female members of the RAD wore a brimmed hat of blended brown felt. The band was of a light grey silk to which was pinned an insignia consisting of a swastika superimposed on two barley stalks and circled by an oval. This emblem was silver-colored aluminum for lower ranks and gilt for officers.

Tom Shutt,"Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich", Vol.1, H.S.M. Publications, 1981

SS Visor Cap Eagle

Form II, 1936-1945

In early 1936 Hitler inspected and approved a new form of national emblem, especially designed for the SS. This eagle was sanctioned by a letter dated March 23, 1936 from the Chief of the SS-Hauptamt. This form remained in use until the end of the war and became the standard pattern replacing the earlier eagle insignia.

The first new SS national emblems were available beginning in April 1936 and were manufactured in silvered Cupal, a synthetic alloy (consult volume 3, page 36 for Cupal detail). An unauthorized neusilber version was manufactured by some manufacturers as a result of a misunderstanding of the regulations. One must note that the neusilber metal was no longer allowed for use in manufacturing from the summer of 1935.

Simultaneously with the Cupal version, the matte-grey aluminum eagle form appeared. The Cupal (or Coupal) version of the eagle officially was tobe worn by enlisted ranks as well as leaders with the Schwarze SS-Dienstmutze (black visored cap) the matte aluminum version was to be worn with the erdgraue und erdbraune SS-Dienstmutze (field-grey and earth-brown visored cap).

Two months later, in June 1936, the bright aluminum version was first mentioned in the Mbl.d.RZM and was to replace the earlier matte version. This light weight national emblem was for the most part worn by all personnel when they obtained the new insignia for any reason. The reverse was stamped with the RZM control number which was occasionally positioned At the edge of the wing.

Embroidered versions were not officially permitted for wear with the SS visored caps of the General-SS, but other forms were observed being worn, predominately being the 1936 political or army forms.

Higher SS-leaders often purchased better quality insignia even though this form was not strictly regulated. In fact, the Cupal version was an item of excellent quality.

The basic design of the new SS emblem consisted of an eagle with outstretched wings, staggered at the tips. The head of the eagle, faced to its left.The eagle clutches an oakleaf wreath enclosing a mobile or slanted embossed swastika. The wingspan is approximately 7.0cm and the height approximately 3.2cm. Its design remained unchanged through the years until the end of the war.

Many eagles manufactured during the war were of pot or zinc metals and of a slightly smaller size, measuring 6.7cm.

During the early war years, the SS national eagle emblem was also available in silver-painted aluminum, grey-painted cheaper light weight materials or of better quality silvered Cupal.

Wilhelm P.B.R. Saria, "Headgear of Hitler's Germany Vol.4", R.J. Bender Publishing, 2005

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Early SA Headgear

The official date of the SA's founding was August 3, 1921, and due to a government ban on paramilitary organizations, it was called a "Turnund Sportabteilungs" a gymnastic and sport detachment. It was also known as the "Schutz-und Propaganda truppe der NSDAP," a protection and propaganda unit. This early SA was led by a retired navy lieutenant, Hans Ulrich Klintzsch, until March 1923. He had been placed at Hitler's disposal by Ehrhardt of the free corps "Marine Brigade Ehrhardt'' which had been created in 1919. Klintzsch had to organize the SA, but left this unit in May 1923.

Throughout its existence, the SA was led by the following persons: Hermann Goring, Walter Buch, Franz Felix von Pfeffer von Salomon, Adolf Hitler, Adolf Wagener, Ernst Rohm, Viktor Lutze and finally by Wilhelm Schepmann.

On September 17, 1921 this "sports group" became known as the "Sturmabteilung" or storm detachment, a term officially sanctioned by Hitler after the meeting of November 4, 1921 at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. Hitler bestowed this name in honor and admiration in recognition of their baptism in fire and also considered this title which had already been used as fitting well for his propaganda. The further history in regards to the SA is well-known and is outlined in several references.

There initially was no standard dress during the early stage of the development of the SA, but soon, a form of dress was introduced and called by the German public, "Rauberzivil" or "highwaymen clothings" The first serious attempts regarding the creation of a distinctive headdress for the SA were made shortly after the "battle of Coburg" in October 1922. The precursor of the later SA kepi was a grey ski cap (designed after the form worn in Austria), which was not universally worn in the SA.

The first unit to wear the ski cap was the 11. Hundertschaft from Munich, commanded by Rudolf Hess. This headdress was worn during the first Party Day (Reichsparteitag), held at Munich from January 27 until 29, 1923. Slowly but surely the grey ski cap became the official SA headdress, until it was replaced in 1924 by the well known brown kepi. This occurred during the reorganization of the SA and the re-establishment of the NSDAP, then called the "Frontbann," created by Rohm as a substitute for the forbidden NSDAP.

Due to the intricacy of this organization, especially during the years 1931-1934, the reader is provided with a number of summaries of the color lists for SA Groups. The number of lists may seem somewhat exaggerated, but are necessary due to the constant changes of districts within the SA. At times a subject will be repeated due to its importance.

In addition, a difference is made between enlisted ranks and SA leaders. The piping or Tresse (tresse) lists are to be found in the section for SA leaders,a nd also for the lowest ranked leaders (Unterfuhrer), to avoid misunderstanding. Note that the colors for the top are discussed in the section for SA leaders until 1933. Until 1933 the colored tops were solely worn by SA leaders. The schedules which describe the cap top color for enlisted ranks begins in July 1933. During the periods that the government banned the wearing of uniforms by NSDAP formations (and other groups as well) the dark blue civilian visored cap without insignia was the highly favored headdress. This "Zivilmutze'' is describedfully within the chapter, Deutsche Arbeitsfront, or in Volume 2, chapter 3: Air Organizations of Germany, pp.150-151.

Wilhelm P.B.R. Saria and Jill Halcomb Smith with Otto Spronk, "Headgear of Hitler's Gemany" Vol. 3, Bender Publishing, 1998

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Visor Caps of the NSDAP

VISOR CAPS OF THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE NSDAP

Prior to 1933, Political Leaders of the NSDAP wore the SA style kepi. The kepi was totally light brown with fixed turn-up sides, and a single round metal button at the lower front. Centered at the top front was a metal political style ational emblem. Affixed by two side buttons was a cap cord with one (centered) or two (off-set) cord knots. An identical kepi, but in blue-black was worn with the blue-black service uniform.

A visor cap was introduced in late 1933 for wear by Political Leaders of the NSDAP. It was identified as a "Wehrmacht-Schnitt (Armed Forces style) or as "Schirmmiitze" (visor cap). Regardless of the political level the top of the cap was light brown. The cap band was light brown at the Ortsgruppe level, and dark brown for Kreis, Gau, and Reich levels. The visor was made of black leather, but this was gradually changed to brown. The chin strap was made of twist cord in the same color as the collar insignia authorized for wear by the respective political leader, i.e., silver or gold. The strap was secured by metal side buttons of the same color. The insignia worn on this pattern visor cap initially consisted only of the early pattern (with pointed wings) silver metal national emblem as introduced in 1929. Early regulations prescribed that the national emblem be positioned in the front center bisected by the juncture of the cap top and cap band seam. This was soon repositioned at the top center of the cap top. Shortly thereafter, a cockade consisting of a black wool center surrounded by an aluminum ring, which in turn was surrounded by a red plastic or fiber ring, was introduced.

A system of cap piping about the cap top, and around the top and bottom of the cap band was introduced to identify the political level to which the respective political leader was assigned. The colors were as follows:

Blue (Blau): Ortsgruppe level Black (Schwarz): Kreis level Red (Rot): Gau level Red (Rot): Reich level Note that the first cap piping colors utilized red for both the Gau and Reich levels. However, sometime in 1936/37 the color for the Reichleitung was changed to match the color of the collar patch piping (golden-yellow).

The visor cap underwent minor changes in 1936 in that the national emblem of the 1929 pattern was replaced with a larger eagle with rounded wings, and the cockade was changed to the pattern with the black swastika in the center surrounded by a silver/aluminum rim with an outer rim of red plastic or fiber.

The chin cord and cap band remained the same, however the fabric of the cap band for Kreis level and above was changed to medium brown velvet. The visor was standardized in color to a brown leather or fiber material. The piping reflecting the political levels remained unchanged except that the Reich level was changed from red to golden-yellow (Goldgelb). However, personnel holding the title of "Reichleiter" utilized the gold piping rather than the golden-yellow.

A new style visor cap was introduced in 1938 with the introduction of the new form insignia. The cap bands at all levels were dark brown velvet. The visor was brown fiber material. The chinstrap was golden-yellow twist celleon. The national emblem was changed to the final larger form, and the cockade was surrounded by a gilt-colored metal oakleaf wreath. However, it was not uncommon for higher ranking political leaders to have the wreath done in hand-embroidered gold wire. The piping colors were revised for the final time as follows:

Light blue (Hellblau): Ortsgruppe level White (Weiss): Kreis level Dark Red (Dunkel Rot): Gau level Golden-yellow (Goldgelb): Reich level

This pattern visor cap remained in use until the end of the war.

J.R. Angolia: "Cloth Insignia of the NSDAP and SA", 1985, R. James Bender Publishing

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The Marine SA

Marine SA units were first formed in 1929 to provide pre- and post-military training to men designated for assignment to or leaving service with the navy and merchant marine. Each SA-Gruppe contained at least one SA-Marinestandarte without concern for the geographic proximity to sea ports. Inland sreams and waterways were the training grounds for such units. Prior to 1934, Naval SA units were merely a part of the regular SA, but with a specialized charter. In 1934, following a significant reorganization, Marine-SA units were given an independent status within the overall structure of the SA.

Even from the earliest days, the Marine-SA wore a distinctive uniform and insignia. The first uniform consisted of a dark blue visored cap (instead of the standard pattern SA kepi), dark blue breeches or straight pants, brown boots with breeches), and the standard pattern SA brown shirt. A completely distinct uniform was introduced for wear by members of the Marine-SA in 1934, the dark blue service tunic was introduced, and the color of the footwear was changed to black.

While most of the insignia worn by members of the Marine-SA remained consistent with those of the regular SA, the device worn on the navy-style visor cap was distinctive to the Marine-SA.

In early 1933, a special cap device consisting of an elongated oakleaf wreath with the political leader rosette (black swastika in the center of the red/silver/black rosette) was worn on the black mohair band of the visor cap· Enlisted personnel wore the insigne in gold metal, while officers had the insigne in gold hand embroidered wire.

Sometime in early 1934, the insigne was modified, with the political leader's rosette being replaced by a silver political-style national emblem with a 38mm wing span. The national emblem was placed in the center of the gold wreath, and the insigne moved from the center of the mohair band to the center front of the upper cap.

In mid-1934 the insigne was again moved back to the front center of the black mohair band, where it remained.

The third and final insignia pattern was introduced sometime in 1938 or 1939 and remained until the end of the war. The cockade was a gold oakleaf wreath with a round SA rosette in the center, and positioned at the front center of the mohair band. At the front center of the cap top was the late pattern national emblem.

J.R. Angolia: "Cloth Insignia of the NSDAP and SA", 1985. R.James Bender Publishing

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Eastern Territories Visor Cap

Ministry for the Occupied Eastern Territories Ministerium Fur Die Besetzten Ostgebiete

PERSONNEL ATTACHED to the Ministerium fur die Besetzten Ostgebiete used a distinctive service visor cap in the traditional "saddle" form.

The cap was worn in the 1942 to 1944 period and was of orange-brown cloth with a dark brown cap band. Piping was of gilt or silver wire cord for higher ranks and of brownish-orange thread for lower ranking officials. The coloration of the caps was roughly identical to the SA color, in that much of the material used came from surplus SA clothing depot stocks.

A black polished leather or fiber visor was worn with the service cap and chin cords were dependent upon rank: higher officials of the Ministry wore gilt wire embroidered cap cords with pebbled gilt side buttons; middle ranking personnel utilized silver wire embroidered cap cords with silver pebbled side buttons, and lower ranking officials wore a brown leather chinstrap which was secured by brown enameled metal side buttons.

Cap piping matched the cap cords and was graded accordingly. Official's hat insignia consisted of a diplomatic eagle in gilt or glossy silver wire embroidery mounted on the front of the crown over the vertical seam ofthe cap. An embroidered (wire) national cockade of black-white-red flanked by a stylized oak wreath having "wings" or horizontal oak leaves was attached to the band. Diplomatic insignia was worn because of the close association of this Ministry with the Diplomatic Corps.

Lower ministerial ranks wore metallic insignia in natural-colored finish.

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL SERVICE CAP

Administrative personnel attached to the Ministry for Occupied Regions wore a visor cap similar to that of ministerial officials for the Eastern Regions.

This saddle-formed visor cap, worn from 1939 until 1941 (and thereafter only to be worn by highest level officials), was made of field-grey cloth. The dark blue cap band was piped with silver wire, as was the leading edge of the cap's crown. A black fiber visor similar to the Army style was worn.

Chin cords were of interwoven silver wire material and were secured to the sides of the cap by pebbled aluminum buttons.

Cap insignia consisted of a silver wire embroidered or silver metal diplomatic eagle mounted under the leading edge of the crown.

A national cockade within a stylized oak wreath and flanked by horizontal "wings" of four oak leaves each was secured to the cap band. This insignia too existed in glossy wire (silver) embroidery or in silver-colored metal, depending on the rank of the wearer.

Following 1940 a variant of this service cap was issued to high ranking officials who were permitted to wear it in conjunction with their dark blue service uniforms. Fittings and insignia remained as before, though the cap body was of dark blue woolen doe-skin with a dark blue cap band. Insignia was silver embroidered with a glossy finish.

Tom Shutt: "Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich", H.S.M. Publications, 1981

Allgemeine SS Headgear

General SS (Allgemeine SS) Headgear

THE EARLIEST official headdress of the Allgemeine SS consisted of a black SA style "coffee can" cap (Tuchmutze). Three versions of this cap exist, the fittings dependent upon the rank of the wearer.

The basic cap, including visor, was covered in black wool and possessed a set of stylized, non-serviceable ear flaps which were cut or scalloped in the front. Insignia consisted of an early pattern M-29 Party eagle in silver metal which closely resembled the early SA style "pointed wing" eagle. The skull was the pattern associated with the 1st and 2nd Leib-Hussar squadrons of the Imperial Army, i.e. a silver metal form with a jawless skull resting on crossed bones. The eagle was affixed to the hat front above the scalloped edge of the side panels; the skull was mounted where buttons would have existed had the side panels been functional.

The enlisted versions of this cap (SS-Mann to Obertruppfuhrer) lacked piping. The chinstrap was of black leather with black painted buckles and fittings, and was secured to the sides of the cap by two black painted plain buttons.

SS ranks from Sturmfiihrer to Obersturmfiuhrer wore the same style cap, though the crown of the hat was piped in interwoven black and white cloth cords.

SS leaders from the rank of Standartenfuhrer to the highest levels wore the same style cap, though the crown was piped in twisted silver cord to indicate rank.

Fittings (i. e. chinstrap, side buttons) on the early "coffee can" cap remained the same for all grades. Officer caps generally were of better quality than those issued to lower ranks.

SS VISOR CAPS

During the period 1933-34, the distinctive SA style cap was phased out of the Allgmeine SS and a general purpose visor cap was introduced. This cap confored style to Army patterns and indicated rank by the use of piping and chincord straps.

The earliest of these visor caps appeared about 1933 and were issued to enlisted personnel from the rank of SS-Mann to Obertruppfuhrer. The crown of this particular cap was of black woolen cloth with black cap band and polished black leather visor. Fittings included a black leather chinstrap (SA style), black enameled or lacquered buckles and plain side bottons.

Insignia consisted of the early pattern SS/SA visor cap eagle which was positioned on the front central seam of the cap below the crown. Mounted to the band was the Hussar-style skull. Insignia was of natural aluminum metal and secured by the use of pins or prongs to the cap.

The leather or fiber visor had a raised convex border along, its leading edge for strength. The cap crown was piped in white as were also the top and bottom edges of the hat band.

In 1936 a "saddle" formed SS visor cap was introduced and was soon worn with the dress and undress uniform by all ranks. This field service hat differed in some particulars from the earlier visor cap, notably in its use of piping, band material, and insignia.

The enlisted style SS service cap, worn from 1936 to 1945, was of black cloth with the crown and leading edges of the cap band piped in white cotton. The cap was issued with a black leather chinstrap secured to the body of the cap by black painted metal side buttons; buckles and fittings were of black painted or enameled metal. The insignia consisted of the M-36 pattern SS eagle which had a full body, wide, outstretched wings, and which stood on a wreath enclosing a swastika. This eagle was mounted below the crown on the central seam of the visor cap by the use of prongs or pins.

The skull was also altered during this period. Instead of the old style Hussar skull, the new emblem consisted of a full-jawed skull resting on crossed bones. The skull displayed a three-quarters view to the right and was secured to the cap's band by prongs.

The visor was of black leather or fiber reinforced by the convex ridge along its leading edge, and finally it became the standard SS visor cap worn by all ranks from SS-Mann to Hauptscharfuhrer.

Officer service caps differed only in those qualities which were reserved to indicate officer rank. Officer cap bands were of black velvet instead of cloth. Allgemeine SS personnel from Untersturmfuhrer to Standartenfuhrer utilized white piping on the cap body. However, in place of the leather chinstrap, one of twisted aluminum braid was worn which was secured to the cap body by the use of pebbled aluminum buttons sewn or affixed on to the cap.

The insignia remained the same as that for lower ranks though finished in matte silver.

Allgemeine SS ranks from Oberfuhrer to Reichsfuhrer wore the same style officer cap but piped in silver wire and with braided aluminum chincord. Buttons were pebbled aluminum and the insignia was matte silver.

During the war all Allgemeine SS personnel wore a visor hat with a field-grey wool top (identical to the Waffen SS model). All other aspects were the same as the regular black topped version.

ALLGEMEINE SS WHITE VISOR CAP

SS personnel with the rank of Untersturmfuhrer and up were permitted to wear a white-topped visor cap with the summer service uniform. The white linen top of the The earliest pattern "fatigue" cap worn by units of the Allgemeine SS consisted an Imperial style Feldmutze patterned after the undress caps of enlisted ranks in Imperial Army.

Made of black woolen cloth, this cap was piped in white along its crown and the edges of the lower band and possessed an early style metal SS-SA "pointed wing, eagle and a Hussar style skull. The cap was cylinderical in form and was worn for fatigue duty.

Initial Allgemeine SS overseas caps were worn by the SS-Verfugungstruppen who would later evolve into the Waffen SS. This cap was brown or earth-grey in appearance and made of wool with a button mounted on the front. The side of the cap bore an embroidered early M-29 "pointed wing" eagle which was sewn to the panel.

A new pattern of the SS overseas cap was introduced about 1934 which consisted black wool on cloth and bore a button of silver-colored metal on the front bearing the traditional SS skull in raised relief; A cloth embroidered eagle mounted on triangular black patch was sewn to the left side of the cap. After 1938 the eagle was altered to the later SS pattern. This hat was worn only by enlisted ranks, and later, in a grey version, served the Waffen SS as one form of an overseas cap.

ALLGEMEINE SS TRADITIONAL CAP

A special SS "coffee can" cap was retained for commemorative and traditional occasions and was patterned after the early 1932 cloth cap. It differed only in its use of M-36 SS insignia.

Tom Shutt: "Dress and Field Service Hats of the Third Reich", H.S.M. Publications, 1981

German Police Service Dress

Service Dress: This form of dress was worn for street service (Strassendienst), major inspection service (Grosser Aufsichtsdienst), guard service (Wachtdienst) and reporting dress (Meldeanzug),

Shako (Tschako): Prior to the introduction of the 1936 pattern uniform, and the shako in particular, personnel of the Ord- nungspolizei wore the distinctive shako carried over from the Landespolizei. The body was black vulcan fiber (Vulkanfiber) with a black lacquered flat top, and front and back visor with pressed rim. The base of the shako body was with a 18/19mm wide black trim. A 16mm black leather chin strap (enlisted) with matte-white aluminum metal fittings or aluminum metal "scales" (officers) rested on the front visor. Positioned at the front was a large aluminum police national emblem with open wreath at the top. It was affixed to the shako by means of two screw posts, which passed through responding openings with black metal reinforcement in the shako body. The shako shield had a 155mm wingspan, and was cumd to conform to the bend in the body. Centered above the shield was an oval tri-color cockade slotted in a groove, and held in place by an aluminum wire. The cockade measured approximately 62mm high and 36mm wide, and took the form of concentric ovals of rope, five aluminum at the base, one black on top of this, and one aluminum at the very top. The center opening was painted red. The reverse plate was commonly stamped with the manufacturer's code and date of manufacture. Personnel in the rank of Obermeister and above were authorized to wear this cockade made in the same color pattern, but of aluminum wire. The interior top of the shako was usually marked with the manufacturer's logo and size.

A new shako was introduced with the 1936 pattern uniform. It retained the same style and characteristics, but had a police-green uniform cloth covering over the head body. The officer's shield could now be more three-dimensional and highly polished.

Shakos of general officers will be discussed in volume 2.

During the war years, wear of the steel helmet was permitted, especially near the front line, and the shako was worn less.

Tunic (Waffenrock): The Waffenrock was of police-green wool fabric, and dark brown badge cloth collar and cuffs. The collar, top of the cuff, down the left front of the closure, and about the tail panels were piped in light green. The front was secured by eight pebbled aluminum-colored 18mm diameter buttons. The collar was secured by two or three black hooks-and-eyes. Mirror image collar patches, with the background indicating the service branch (light green for Schutzpolizei), were positioned with the leading edge 3mm back from the front collar edge. The two angled pleated patch breast pockets and two hip unpleated straight patch pockets were with scalloped flaps buttoned by 18mm diameter pebbled aluminum-colored buttons. The rear tail panels were with two 18mm diameter pebbled aluminum-colored buttons, the top two serving as belt ramps. The shoulder boards were of the sew-in or slip-on variety, and were secured by 16mm diameter buttons. In the event the shoulder boards were of the slip-on type, there was a strip of tunic fabric sewn horizontal to the sleeve headseam. The police national emblem was worn on the upper left sleeve, while anyone specialty insigne was worn on the lower left. Two parallel aluminum rings, each 10 mm wide, worn above the top of the cuffs, indicated NCOs appointed to the position of company first sergeant (nicknamed "der Spiess"). For details of other insignia, see the respective chapter. The cuffs were normally sewn closed at the rear seam, but tailor preference allowed for an open seam secured by the cuff buttons. With secured cuffs two 18mm pebbled aluminum-colored buttons were positioned at the rear of the front cuff panel. However, when the rear seam was open, the rear of the front panel was with two buttonholes, and the buttons were sewn to the rear of the rear panel. There was a concealed interior pocket on the left breast, and a concealed pocket at each tail panel. Size markings and possible tailor or control marks were commonly found stamped on either the right or left front interior lining.

Wartime tunics could have the side straps fitted with metal hooks passing through the side-seam opening to serve as belt ramps. A light-weight Waffenrock was also authorized for wear.

Neck tie (Halsbinde): Black worn with white collar.

Breeches (Stiefelhose): Standard pattern police green breeches. Riding breeches with reinforced leather seat (Reithose) for mounted personnel.

Gloves (Handschuhe): Grey-green.

Boots (Schaftstiefel): Black leather. Riding boots for mounted personnel.

Spurs (Sporen): Worn by officers only in the rank of Hauptmann and above, and by all mounted officers.

Greatcoat (Mantel): The same pattern greatcoat was worn by all ranks. Rank shoulder boards were of the sew-in variety. No collar patches or police national sleeve insigne were worn. It was of the police-green uniform cloth with brown collar piped in light green. The double-breasted coat was with two vertical rows of six pebbled aluminum-colored (gold for general officers) buttons. The concealed hip pockets were angled-slashed and had rounded unbuttoned flaps. At the left side is a slash for the sword hanger. The sleeve cuffs were indicated by a stitched seam only on privately tailored coats, and by turned-up (un-piped) cuff on issue coats. The collar was closed by a single hook-and-eye, normally backed by a piece of protective cloth. Under the left collar is a cloth tab with buttonhole, and held in place by a single green button. On the right collar was a single green button for securing the opposite tab when the collar was worn closed. At the back was a two-part cloth belt with two pebbled aluminum buttons on the horizontal. A seam ran down the center back, and with a slash from the bottom of the cloth belt down. The slash opening was secured by four evenly spaced buttons. The interior'of the coat was with a concealed slash breast pocket on the left side. A large green button was sewn to the left side to secure the right side of the coat. It was quite common to find size markings and even tailor data stamped inside on the left lining fabric.

Persons authorized to wear a neck decoration were permitted to wear the greatcoat with the top two buttons unbuttoned, and the lapels folded back in order to display the decoration.

Raincoats could be worn in place of greatcoats in wet weather.

Belt (Leibriemen): Black leather with double open-claw silvercolored pebble buckle and shoulder strap for officers. Black leather with aluminum-colored box buckle and rifle three-compartment ammunition pouch on the left side, and black pistol holster on the right side. Mounted personnel were authorized to wear the mounted bandoleer. For details, see coverage of belt buckles in a later volume in this series.

Sidearm: Sword with portepee (for details, see chapter dealing with blade sidearms in a future volume in this series). Pistol with holster (all ranks) worn on the right side.

Medal Bar/Ribbon Bar (Grosse und Kleine Ordensschnalle):
Neck orders and breast stars were also authorized for wear.

Adjutant's Cord (Adjutantenabzeichen): The grey-aluminum cord was authorized for wear by adjutants only. The pattern was identical to that of the police officer's shoulder cord (in turn, identical to the army adjutant's cord), but without the two top cords and with two aluminum cords measuring 15 and 18cm, and with silver-colored metal ferrules at each end. It was worn on the right shoulder of the tunic or greatcoat with the ferrules hanging down at the sleeve seam.

Whistle (Signalpfeife): Worn by all ranks

Handcuffs (Handfessel): Carried only by EM/NCOs

John R. Angolia and Hugh Page Taylor: "Uniforms, Organization & History of the German Police", Volume 1, R. James Bender Pulishing, 2004

www.bender-publishing.com