German WWII Allgemeine SS Officers Visor Cap with Provenance

A very fine example of an Allgemeine SS officers visor cap, crafted from the commonly seen black ribbed material and accented with a black velvet centre band piped in white at the crown and edges. The cap is fitted with officers’ silver bullion cords and a well-matched set of SS eagle and skull insignia. The exterior shows no moth damage, preserving the original finish beautifully.

Inside, the leather sweatband remains, though it shows splits in two areas and several tears elsewhere. The upper interior crown and side linings are in a light cream satin, with the central celluloid lozenge intact, featuring the faint remnants of the gold SS runic symbol and a gilt stamped size 56.

A remarkable historical detail is found beneath the SS runic lozenge—a typed label inserted by the soldier who captured the cap: “Gordon Yates H/506, 101st Airborne, Saubach, Austria.” Underneath the sweatband lies the faded remains of the original SS canvas issue label.

This cap comes complete with extensive documentation relating to Gordon Yates of Company H, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment—whose Company E was famously known as the “Band of Brothers.” Research reveals Yates was a radio operator in Company H, and his entire uniform grouping is now preserved within a collection in the United States. It is believed Yates was an avid souvenir hunter during occupation duties in Austria and acquired this cap as a wartime trophy.

A highly desirable and historically rich piece, accompanied by a significant group of related documentation.

Ref; 93192 XVANO