WWII German Navy Kriegsmarine Field Service Cap (Envelope Style / Side Cap)
Technical Description
Authentic reproduction of the WWII German Kriegsmarine envelope-style field service cap (Schiffchen), worn by officers, petty officers, and enlisted men of the German Navy during World War II. The cap is constructed from fine navy-blue wool with cotton / satin lining, cut in the characteristic “envelope” pattern with front scallops and a single rear seam.
The front features the standard Kriegsmarine insignia — embroidered naval eagle in golden-yellow thread positioned above the national cockade in red, white, and black roundel. Officer versions carried gold piping around the crown edge, while enlisted ranks wore plain caps without piping.
Specifications
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Material: High-quality navy-blue wool serge.
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Lining: Cotton / satin (blue / black)
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Insignia:
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Embroidered gold Kriegsmarine eagle.
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National red-white-black cockade below eagle.
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Construction: Envelope-type (side cap) with stitched fold lines.
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Ventilation: Small metal or embroidered eyelets (side positioned).
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Crown: Optional piping depending on rank (see below).
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Period: 1939–1945 Kriegsmarine issue.
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Typical wearers: Sailors, petty officers, and officers of the German Navy.
Branch / Rank Piping Variations
| Rank / Branch | Piping Color | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Enlisted Men (Mannschaften) | None | Plain navy-blue wool cap without piping |
| Petty Officers (Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee) | None or light gold | Some late-war versions had narrow yellow piping |
| Senior NCOs / Warrant Officers | Golden yellow | Fine gold-yellow piping along the crown seam |
| Commissioned Officers (Leutnant – Kapitänleutnant) | Metallic gold | Distinct gold wire piping around the crown edge |
| Admirals | Gilded metallic piping | Thicker metallic braid piping, more pronounced |
| Coastal Artillery (Marine-Artillerie) | Dark green piping | For shore-based naval gunners and coastal defense units |
| Naval Infantry / Marineinfanterie | Light blue piping | For naval infantry and port defense detachments |
