*German, WWII, Kriegsmarine Cap Tally – Unterwasserwaffenschule (Underwater Weapons School)*
A WWII-period style Kriegsmarine cap tally to the Unterwasserwaffenschule (“Underwater Weapons School”), embroidered in gold thread on a black rayon ribbon in the correct Gothic script. The tally measures approximately 112 cm in length and retains its full central title section, with typical age toning to the gilt thread and the expected open, machine-embroidered reverse.
This example now exists in three joined sections, with a stitched join on either side of the embroidered title. These appear to be later repairs or reattachments of the ribbon tails, a not-uncommon occurrence with tallies that saw wear or storage stress. The ribbon shows handling marks, soft creasing, light soiling and fraying to the ends, but the lettering remains bright and fully legible.
History: Kriegsmarine cap tallies (Mützenbänder) formed an important part of German naval dress, worn on the sailor’s cap above the black bow and identifying the ship, flotilla or training establishment to which a man belonged. Most wartime personnel served in general fleet units, so tallies bearing the names of specialist schools were produced in far smaller numbers. Original Third Reich Unterwasserwaffenschule tallies were manufactured in very limited quantities and are significantly rarer than flotilla or ship-named examples, reflecting the restricted size of the underwater-weapons training branch. Surviving examples of any type show considerable variation in materials and construction, as tallies were replaced frequently and often subjected to hard wear, repairs, and later alteration.
*Condition* Shows general wear, age toning to the gold embroidery, surface marks, and creasing. Fraying to the ends, and two period-style stitched joins where the ribbon tails have been reattached. Displays well. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
