History

The Tropical Field Cap for the Waffen-SS was introduced in 1943 for personnel stationed in the Mediterranean and southern Russia. Initially, it was field-grey, but soon switched to what became the standard colour for Tropical garments for all Wehrmacht branches, which is described as khaki, tan, or sand-coloured.

Usually, the regular Waffen-SS eagle emblem and death’s head insignia combination was worn on the caps, made from silver-grey on black embroidery. However, in rare cases, Tropical insignia versions can be found, in tan on black.

The Tropical cap was composed of cotton twill rather than wool and primarily featured a red lining, although there are known examples of caps with tan lining. The lining of the caps may feature a black ink maker’s mark.