Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regt. Nr.92 NCO Schirmmütze
 
NCO black Schirmmütze (visor cap) from Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regt. Nr.92 (Braunschweig) X Armee Korps, for wear with the with the black Polrock (uniform). The black Schirmmütze was worn only by NCO's of the Herzogtum Braunschweig (Duchy of Braunschweig) from 1867 to 1886 when it was replaced with the Preußen Dunkelblau pattern headgear. Only the three NCO ranks of Unteroffizier, Sergeant, and Feldwebel were were authorized to wear this pattern of Schirmmütze; the Mannschaften (Other Ranks) by regulation, could only wear the issued black Krätzchen without a visor. The Braunschweig Schirmmütze Kokarde is stamped brass, with a blue velvet center which has faded to brown. Surviving examples of NCO Schirmmütze from Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regt. Nr.92 are very rare, and this example is in remakable condition, with no damage or wear.
 
The Braunschweig NCO Schirmmütze is highly distinctive, being made with a black wool top with cornflower blue band and piping. The flat Teller (plate) shape and the small visor is typical of Schirmmützen from the 1800s. This Schirmmütze was probably manufactured in the 1870s as it has the fat piping and vertical body shape with no overhang, as is typical of that period.
 
The inside of the Schirmmütze reveals an orange/brown cloth lining with a leather sweatband. The inside is not maker marked, typical for an issue quality Schirmmütze. The front visor threads have come loose somewhat, and at some point in the cap's history, some idiot glued the front of the leather liner onto the visor. That is the way it will stay, as I prefer to leave collectibles as I found them.
 
 
The black NCO Braunschweig Schirmmütze with an equally rare black Polrock from Braunschweigisches Infanterie-Regt. Nr.92. To see the black Polrock click Here.