History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Heer and Kriegsmarine uniforms were based upon the designs utilized by their predecessor organizations, the Reichsheer and the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy). Conversely, the Luftwaffe uniforms were based upon the uniforms worn in the sports and paramilitary organizations that were the forerunners of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe uniforms were specifically designed to deviate from the designs of the other Wehrmacht service branches. It was also necessary that the uniforms differentiate between military and civilian pilots.

A visor cap specially made for Göring was designed and produced between July and August 1940. Göring granted himself a special cap upon his promotion to Reichsmarschall.

The cap is light-grey with a light-grey velvet cap band. It features laurel leaves around the entire cap band. The insignia were made of real gold wire embroidery. The eagle has wider wings than the eagle emblem on regular visor caps. The national cockade is surrounded by a laurel leaf wreath with attached wings segmented into four parts. There is gold piping above and below the cap band, and on the crown. The cap has a gold cap cord, secured by two gold buttons. The visor is made of black leather.

Göring had several of these caps made. Some have been found without the ring of laurel leaves going around the cap band.