An original NSDAP cap insignia set for a Political Leader’s visor cap. The associated two-piece set consists of a gilt national eagle and a large gilt oak-leaf wreath with an enamelled cockade. The wreath carries the circular RZM trademark and the manufacturer’s code M1/47 for Christian Theodor Dicke of Lüdenscheid.
€ 325
1 in stock
This original NSDAP cap insignia set comprises the two principal metal emblems worn on a Political Leader’s peaked visor cap. The upper insignia takes the form of a spread-winged national eagle. Meanwhile, the lower emblem combines an elaborate oak-leaf wreath with a multi-part enamelled cockade.
The Political Leader visor cap formed an important part of the party’s regulated uniform system. Political Leaders served within the NSDAP’s local, district, regional and national administrative structure.
Period illustrations in the 1943 Organisationsbuch der NSDAP, Plate 26 show the eagle-and-wreath arrangement on caps used at Ortsgruppe, Kreis, Gau and Reich level. Therefore, the loose insignia alone does not identify one specific political level. The cap’s piping and other uniform details provided that distinction.
The set represents the final style associated with the revised Political Leader uniform introduced in 1939. The eagle sat centrally on the upper cap body. The larger wreath and cockade occupied the brown velvet cap band below it.
Complete caps show the same basic insignia combination across several administrative levels. For comparison, see our original NSDAP Kreisleitung Political Leader visor cap and original NSDAP Gauleitung visor cap.
Collectors can also compare the insignia with the higher-level fittings on our original NSDAP Reichsleitung Political Leader visor cap.
The upper component consists of a die-struck metal eagle with fully extended wings. Its head faces to the viewer’s right, while its talons rest above a circular wreath containing a swastika.
The maker produced strong detail across the wing feathers, breast plumage, eye and surrounding wreath. Moreover, the recessed sections retain traces of the original warm gilt finish.
Age and handling have darkened the surface considerably. However, this patina highlights the die-struck detail and gives the eagle an attractive period appearance.
The reverse displays the expected negative impression of the obverse design. Two long metal attachment prongs remain present. Their bent position indicates that the eagle was probably removed from a visor cap rather than remaining unused.
No manufacturer’s mark appears visible on the eagle in the supplied photographs. Therefore, the M1/47 attribution should apply only to the wreath unless a separate mark becomes visible during closer inspection.
The lower insignia is a substantial gilt oak-leaf wreath. Four main groups of textured leaves extend to each side of the central cockade. A simulated tied band joins the branches at the base.
Each oak leaf displays finely rendered veins and pebbled surface detail. In addition, the raised acorns and central binding retain sharp definition. Much of the original gold-coloured finish remains visible across the front.
The central cockade uses multi-part construction. A translucent red enamel ring surrounds silvered concentric bands. These bands carry alternating ridged and rope-like decoration. Finally, a black enamel swastika occupies the centre.
The red enamel remains bright and complete. Likewise, the black central enamel shows no major loss in the photographs. Light age marks and surface wear remain visible under magnification, although they do not detract from the overall presentation.
The Musée de la Libération de Paris catalogues a comparable Political Leader wreath and enamel cockade. Its museum example measures 11.3 cm across and uses the same general metal-and-enamel construction.
The reverse of the wreath carries two clear regulation marks:
Circular RZM trademark M1/47
The M1 code category covered officially controlled metal badges and insignia. The number M1/47 identifies Christian Theodor Dicke of Lüdenscheid, a recognised manufacturer of party badges and metal uniform fittings. This identification should not be confused with M7/47, which belonged to the Paul Ebel edged-weapon firm of Solingen.
The code appears in the expected position on the lower right reverse. Meanwhile, the circular RZM trademark appears on the opposite oak-leaf branch.
The reverse also retains the original-style metal mounting prongs. Furthermore, the centre cockade remains secured through the wreath by its integral tabs. The untouched patina across these fittings appears consistent with period use and removal.
On photographic examination, this NSDAP cap insignia set displays the principal features expected from original pre-1945 Political Leader visor-cap insignia.
Positive characteristics include the sharp die-struck detail, correct multi-part construction, translucent red enamel and appropriate attachment fittings. In addition, the wreath carries a correctly formed RZM trademark and recognised M1/47 manufacturer’s code.
The reverse surfaces show natural oxidation and age toning. The bent prongs also suggest genuine cap use or period-style fitting. No obvious casting seams, modern replacement clips or newly applied solder appear in the photographs.
The two components should nevertheless be catalogued as an associated period set rather than a confirmed factory-matched pair. The wreath carries the M1/47 mark, whereas no maker mark is visible on the eagle. This distinction preserves accurate museum-level cataloguing.
The Political Leader wreath remains in very good condition. It retains strong gilt colour, crisp oak-leaf detail and an attractive enamelled centre. Minor rubbing, oxidation and surface wear remain visible, particularly around the raised edges.
The eagle remains in good, clearly used condition. Its original gilt finish has darkened and thinned across the high points. Nevertheless, the feathering, eye, central wreath and swastika remain sharply defined.
Both insignia retain their attachment systems. However, the prongs have been bent during fitting or removal. They should not be repeatedly straightened because aged metal can fracture.
The pieces should remain unpolished. Chemical cleaning would remove the established patina and could damage the enamel, gilt surface and historical finish.
Complete loose Political Leader insignia sets have become increasingly useful for advanced headgear displays. They also appeal to collectors who study the development of NSDAP uniform regulations.
This example offers particularly strong visual contrast. The bright gilt wreath and red enamel cockade display exceptionally well, while the darker eagle provides an honest cap-worn appearance.
Explore related material in our Peaked Caps collection. The set would also complement a wider collection of original Political Leader uniforms, insignia and RZM-controlled fittings.
Item: Political Leader visor-cap insignia set Organisation: NSDAP Pattern: Final Political Leader pattern Period: Circa 1939–1945 Components: Cap eagle, oak-leaf wreath and enamel cockade Construction: Die-struck gilt-finished metal with multi-part enamel centre Wreath manufacturer: Christian Theodor Dicke, Lüdenscheid Wreath marking: Circular RZM trademark and M1/47 Eagle marking: No maker mark visible in the supplied photographs Attachment: Original-style metal prongs Condition: Good to very good, with period wear and patina Catalogue price: €325
This original NSDAP cap insignia set represents the distinctive metal insignia used on final-pattern Political Leader visor caps.
The M1/47 marked wreath remains the principal feature. Its strong gilt finish, detailed oak leaves and complete enamelled cockade create an impressive display. Meanwhile, the associated eagle retains sharp detail and honest period wear.
Consequently, the set offers strong historical, decorative and collector interest. It would suit an advanced collection of Political Leader headgear, RZM insignia or German political uniforms.
Political Leaders of the NSDAP wore this eagle and wreath arrangement on their peaked visor caps.
No. The M1/47 mark is visible on the wreath. No maker’s code appears visible on the eagle in the supplied photographs.
The RZM assigned M1/47 to Christian Theodor Dicke of Lüdenscheid for officially controlled metal insignia.
No. Similar insignia appeared on caps for several administrative levels. The cap’s piping and related uniform details identified the organisational level.
No. Repeated bending may cause the aged metal to fracture. The prongs should remain in their present position.
Categories: Peaked Caps; Headgear Insignia; NSDAP Political Insignia; Uniform Accessories
Product tags: NSDAP cap insignia set, Political Leader insignia, RZM M1/47, Christian Theodor Dicke, Political Leader cap eagle, NSDAP cap wreath, enamel cockade, German political headgear
