Unissued Original German WWII Kriegsmarine U-Boat Tropical Foul Weather Cap Dated 1940 Size 57
Original German WWII Kriegsmarine tropical foul-weather cap of the distinctive Südwester or sou’wester pattern. These waterproof protective caps were issued for wear by Kriegsmarine personnel exposed to harsh wind, rain, and sea spray, and are especially associated with U-Boat and surface-vessel crews.
The cap is constructed from brown rubberized cotton fabric with a multi-panel crown and a wide, downward-sloping brim designed to protect the wearer’s face and neck. The interior seams are reinforced and waterproofed with black rubberized tape (one is loose). Two long cotton-twill chin ties are attached to the interior, allowing the cap to be secured during severe weather.
The interior bears an eagle with waffenamp stamp "320", the date “1940,” size “57,” and the boxed manufacturer’s marking:
Willy Sprengpfeil
Mützenfabrik
Hamburg 19
This original cap appears to be unissued and remains in mint to excellent condition. It exhibits only minor storage wear, light age-related marks, and slight fraying along portions of the brim and chin-tie ends. The brown rubberized fabric remains supple, the construction is complete, and all important markings are clearly visible. A rare and exceptionally well-preserved example of early-war Kriegsmarine foul-weather headgear.
