East German Army Officer Overseas Cap

NVA Officer Side Cap

This is the overseas cap worn by officers of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), the East German army of the Cold War years. Germans call the style a Schiffchen, or "little boat," after its folded, boat-like profile. It has no brim, folds flat when not worn, and carries the DDR state emblem on the side. Collectors, reenactors and anyone building an East German uniform will want it.

Features

• Genuine NVA Issue — The cap was issued by the East German army, not made later for the collector market.
• Officer Pattern — It is the side cap pattern worn by NVA officers with the service uniform.
• Stone Grey Color — The grey-green shade matches the rest of the East German service uniform.
• DDR State Emblem Cockade — The left side carries the national emblem of a hammer and compass inside a wreath, set on the black, red and gold of the East German flag.
• Schiffchen Side Cap Cut — A center crease runs front to back, and the raised side curtain gives the cap its boat-like shape.
• Folds Flat — With no peak or stiffened crown, the cap lies flat in a pocket or bag.
• Mixed Fiber Fabric — The cap is made from a cotton, polyester and wool blend.
• Sized Fit — The cap comes in individual sizes so you can match it to your head measurement.

Original NVA Issue

The Nationale Volksarmee served as the army of the German Democratic Republic (DDR) until German reunification, so its uniform items are a closed chapter of Cold War history. This cap was made to the original specification, cut in stone grey with the state cockade on the side. That makes it a correct piece for an NVA officer display or impression, and a period item a reproduction cannot stand in for.