*German, WW2, Kriegsmarine Senior NCO Visor Cap (Schirmmütze), Made by Heinrich Balke, Bremen*
An original Second World War German Kriegsmarine Senior Non-Commissioned Officer visor cap, constructed in dark navy blue wool with the correct black mohair centre band and polished black peak. The cap is fitted with its original gold-coloured naval chin cord, secured by twin gilt anchor side buttons, and displays the correct gilt metal Kriegsmarine eagle above a woven cockade set within a gilt bullion oak-leaf wreath with red felt centre.
The peak retains the characteristic double edge trim associated with Kriegsmarine senior NCO caps, distinguishing it from enlisted and officer variants. All external components are period-correct, matching in wear and patina, and show no indication of later replacement.
Historical Note: This visor cap was worn by senior petty officers of the Kriegsmarine, typically ranks such as Bootsmann through Oberbootsmann. These men occupied key supervisory and technical roles aboard warships, U-boats, and naval shore establishments, and their headgear reflected a status visually between enlisted sailors and commissioned officers.
The interior sweat shield bears the printed maker’s mark “Deutsche Wertarbeit – Gegr. 1888 – Heinrich Balke, Mützenfabrik Bremen”, identifying manufacture by the respected Bremen firm Heinrich Balke. Founded in 1888 in Bremen’s Neustadt district, the Balke company became one of northern Germany’s best-known hat and cap manufacturers, supplying both military and civilian headgear. During the Third Reich period, Balke produced caps for multiple branches of service, including the Kriegsmarine, as well as police and civil organisations. Caps bearing this mark are well documented and regarded as correct wartime production.
*Condition* The cap is in very good overall condition.The dark blue wool body remains clean and structurally sound, with no moth damage and no repairs. The mohair centre band is intact and unfaded. The gilt metal eagle, bullion wreath, cockade, chin cord, and anchor buttons are all original and show light, even age toning only. The peak remains firm and correctly shaped, retaining its original high-gloss finish and double edge trim. There are some light surface marks and scuffs consistent with age and period wear, visible on close inspection, but no cracks, splits, warping, or delamination. These marks are purely cosmetic and do not affect the structural integrity or display quality of the cap. Internally, the original clear celluloid sweat shield is present and legible. The lining is intact and typical for wartime manufacture. The leather sweatband is almost wholly detached, but remains present and complete. This is a straightforward and easily reversible stitch repair for a collector or conservator and does not detract from the overall originality of the cap. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
