Original General Crusher Cap by Kaschet München
This Original General Crusher Cap is an outstanding example of a privately purchased Heer General’s Crusher Capmanufactured by the prestigious Munich military tailor Kaschet. The General Crusher Cap retains its original soft construction, gold bullion piping, leather peak, hand-embroidered bullion insignia and premium-quality tailoring. As one of the most desirable forms of German military headgear, this General Crusher Cap represents an exceptional opportunity for the advanced collector or museum.
History of the General Crusher Cap
The General Crusher Cap became the preferred headgear of many senior German Army commanders during the Second World War. Unlike the standard service visor cap, the General Crusher Cap was manufactured with a soft crown and flexible leather visor, allowing the cap to develop the distinctive crushed appearance admired by collectors today.
Privately purchased examples were produced by leading military outfitters including Kaschet München, EREL and Peküro, all renowned for exceptional craftsmanship.
Construction of this General Crusher Cap
This General Crusher Cap is manufactured from high-quality field-grey wool tricot with a dark green centre band finished with gold bullion wire piping identifying the wearer as a Heer general.
The crown remains soft and flexible while retaining the elegant saddle profile associated with the classic crusher pattern. The original black leather visor exhibits natural period wear.
The front retains its original aluminium Heer eagle together with a beautifully hand-embroidered gilt bullion wreath surrounding the national cockade. Both insignia display the fine workmanship expected of privately purchased general officer headgear.
Internally, the General Crusher Cap retains its original green rayon lining beneath the clear celluloid diamond bearing the respected Kaschet München maker’s mark. The original leather sweatband remains complete and exhibits only honest age-related shrinkage.
Authentication
Several characteristics support the authenticity of this General Crusher Cap:
- Original Kaschet München maker.
- Soft crusher construction.
- Gold bullion piping.
- Dark green centre band.
- Leather visor.
- Original bullion wreath.
- Original Heer eagle.
- Original rayon lining.
- Original leather sweatband.
- Period tailoring throughout.
The visible construction is entirely consistent with a high-quality privately purchased wartime General Crusher Cap.
Condition
This General Crusher Cap remains in excellent collector condition. The wool body retains outstanding colour and shape, while the bullion embroidery has developed an attractive natural patina. The leather sweatband displays expected age shrinkage without affecting stability.
Overall, this is an exceptionally well-preserved example suitable for an advanced military collection or museum exhibition.
Investment Potential
Original General Crusher Caps remain among the rarest categories of Wehrmacht headgear. Because relatively few generals served during the Second World War, surviving original examples continue to command significant interest.
Current market values are approximately:
- Dealer retail: £8,000–£12,000
- Private collector: £7,000–£10,000
- Named example: £12,000–£18,000+
Related items
Explore related listings: Military Visor & Peaked Caps.
References and further reading
