This is a mint-condition early Heer (Army) Artillery visor cap, a highly desirable collectible for WWII headgear enthusiasts. Featuring the silver-gilded nickel eagle and cockade insignia, this example displays both rarity and craftsmanship.
Key Features
Branch: Heer (Army), Artillery
Period: Early production
Insignia: Original nickel silver eagle and cockade (preferred by collectors over later aluminum versions)
Condition: Mint, with natural patina enhancing authenticity
Liner: Fully intact, leather sweatband present
Chinstrap: Original and properly fitted
Fabric: High-quality early wool with red artillery piping
Collector’s Analysis
Early caps with nickel insignia are far more desirable than later variants due to their superior materials and rarity.
The natural patina of the eagle and cockade further confirms originality and adds depth to the cap’s display value.
Mint artillery visors are increasingly difficult to source, especially with intact liners and straps.
Historical Context
Artillery personnel of the Heer wore branch-colored visors, easily identified by their distinctive red piping. Early examples with nickel insignia were produced before wartime material shortages led to cheaper construction. These caps symbolized both branch pride and the elite appearance of the German officer corps.
