Opinions on this Artillery officers visor cap

[edteach]

I am looking for an artillery officers cap to go with my tunic, I found this one. Can I get opinions on if its real war time or fake. Thanks.

[Richard Auld]

Has the owner said it has been restored a little? If the cockade is original to it then definitely a new chin cord but not the end of the world. Looking at the sweat band it is in  brand new condition but then looking at the peak with the twist in it it might just be a lightly used and badly stored item post war? Is it a good price or full dollar? All that said I am not up to speed on what is available copy wise these days but I kind of like it. I would put a bit of red felt in the roundel and change the chin cord to a more weathered one. There is a chap on WRF that is a well known hat bloke, in particular he restores them so might be worth a Recce over there?

[edteach]

Asking 900 from a dealer. I have no idea on price either. Thanks for helping. the sweat band was a flag to me also. It looks so new. Not sure if this is a put together from original parts or part fake part real.

[Richard Auld]

Then my advice would be, if you are not feeling the love, jog on till you have something in your sights that is rock solid?

It is always a challenge from photos alone, particularly these days!

Best.

Rich

[edteach]

I have looked at other caps from this maker and they match well. Also on the WAF and I know they can be biased there but the consensus seems to be its original. For some reason Artillery officers caps are not easy to find. They seem to sell fast. And prices are from 700 to 2500, I don't have any issue with this cap but would like the opinions of the experts in this area. I was told for what its worth by a collector of this maker that its and original.

Edited February 8, 2022 by edteach

[hanswolf1224]

for an item that is 70 plus years old, it looks to new. i would expect some sort of age such as soilage inside and out-- signs of usage. me personally would like to see age and use. i personally would pass.

[edteach]

Thanks but other than it not looking worn what are any signs its a fake?

[Richard Auld]

I don't think it is a fake but as you might expect it has been 'played' with? Look at the cockade, the oxidation on it due to being stored in a damp place? look at the black velvet between the sweat  band and the peak, zero wear/dampness damage/trace of on that black velvet. Moth nip can be expected and is not unusual? So is the chin strap original to the hat and the cockade added later or the other way round if the cockade is added so is the eagle most likely? Either way it is not in original condition, which I know from your previous posts is secondary to your evaluation as you are happy if the sum of the parts are all original? Me personally, I would wait for an unmolested, used, one looker, that was in keeping with your well worn tunic which has a lot of character?

Best

Rich

[edteach]

Thanks that gives me something to think about.

[Afrikakorpsrat64]

I agree with the others, I would wait for a better cap. The cap itself is original, but I believe professionally restored.