WWI Imperial German Army Visored Field Cap (Schirmmütze)
The Visored Field Cap (Schirmmütze) was a distinctive piece of headgear worn by officers, senior NCOs, and in some cases enlisted men of the Imperial German Army during the First World War. Combining elegance with practicality, it offered shade and protection while still reflecting regimental pride and rank distinction.
Design & Features
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Construction: Our Schirmmutze is made of high-quality feldgrau wool to match the service tunic, with a reinforced band and soft crown. Please see specifications of the fabric on the highlight section.
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Visor (Schirm): A sturdy leather peak provided shade and a sharper appearance than the softer enlisted Feldmütze. The visor is made in 100% leather and is about 1.25 mm thick, polished to perfection.
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Cockades:
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A Reich cockade in black, white, and red placed at the center above the band is provided with every cap and it is hand embroiderd in silk and indistinguishable from the original.
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State cockade below, showing the soldier’s regional loyalty as per highlight section can be chosen by the buyer and the cockade is also embroidered in silk.
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Branch colors (Waffenfarbe): Colored piping along the crown and cap band, denoting branch of service — infantry (white), artillery (red), cavalry (gold/yellow), pioneers (black), and others can be chosen by customers on the option section of the ordering menu.
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Interior: The cap is lined with cotton silk .
Use in the Field & Formality
The Schirmmütze was often worn for parade, walking-out dress, and behind the lines, as the soft Feldmütze or Stahlhelm proved more practical for front-line service. Nonetheless, many period photographs show officers and men wearing the visored cap even in the trenches, a testament to its popularity and comfort.
Its more formal look, combined with the distinct visor, made it a symbol of rank and authority, separating leaders from the rank-and-file.
Historical Significance
The visored field cap remains one of the most iconic pieces of Imperial German Army officer and NCO dress, frequently associated with portraits, studio photographs, and wartime relics. Today, it stands as an essential item for collectors, reenactors, and museums looking to represent the German forces of 1914–1918.
