HG-7 Other Ranks Extramütze (Private
Purchase Visor Cap) for Panzergrenadier Branch,
by Clemens Wagner
This cap has a rarely seen Waffenfarbe – perhaps among the top
three most rare branch colors - the bright, light green of the
Panzergrenadiere (Armored Infantry – i.e. Motorized Infantry Troops serving in
a Panzer Unit - a Regiment, or Division). The cap is an Extramütze (private
purchase quality cap) sold through a distributor (in the town of Iserlohn,
though the name is partially illegible – starts Rob. (Robert) …(?)…mann)
of Clemens Wagner products. The cap is made of heavy, plush doeskin wool in a
very grey hued version of field grey (this base color was apparently felt to
better set off the pale green Waffenfarbe than would a greener shade). There is
minimal mothing to the cover material and only a nip or two to the impressive
light green piping (does not detract). The exterior condition overall is very
good, including the dark bluish-green badge cloth cap band. The front crown has
a fairly high peak, but since the base of the interior front crown Stützte
(support spring wire) has come unattached from the cap band, the base of the
wire now projects slightly into the cap interior above the sweatband, with the
down and outward pressure of the top portion causing the front of the cap to
lean forward. (I would suggest using a pair of long narrow scissors and dental
mirror to snip any securing threads, then needle nose pliers to carefully remove
the Stütze – its presence is definitely detrimental, not beneficial, as well
as a portion of another Stütze wire (no clue why there are two) that is
threatening the top panel material just behind the crown (pressing upward). With
these support wires removed and the shaping ring, you can give the cap a crusher
kind of look AND avert any damage from the supports. If you’d rather the
straight front peak, leave the ring in place, and put a piece of hard cardboard
inside the front of the cap. The other ranks black patent leather chinstrap is
in great shape, though with little gloss remaining. The visor shows super fine
surface crazing to the lacquer - but retains much of its gloss. The underside is
painted grey – a common characteristic of caps made by Clemens Wagner. The
approximate size 56 grey leather sweatband (also a Wagner-ism) is embossed on
the left side with the CW initial logo and Wirklich (Real) etiquette. The band
is in very good condition, though heavily soiled from honest wear, and possibly
moisture at some point. The silvery grey rayon lining is also somewhat soiled,
but intact (though loose over the sweatband at the front, where the Stütze juts
rearward). There is no moisture shield remaining – only traces of the
stitching still show one was there art one time. The distributor etiquette
remains partially legible. With the metal Stützes removed (and the cap ring as
well), this cap with its rare Waffenfarbe will display with front Veteran (Frontkämpfer)
flair.
$1,295.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item HG-7
