ORIGINAL WW2 Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) General’s visor cap, BY EREL NAMED TO G HUFFEL

This is an exceptional and highly attractive Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) General’s visor cap, manufactured by the renowned Berlin maker Erel (Robert Lubstein), Berlin SW68, one of Germany’s most respected military cap manufacturers of the pre-war and wartime period.

Constructed in the distinctive blue-grey wool associated with the RLB, the cap retains its elegant gold bullion piping, hand-embroidered gilt eagle, matching bullion wreath and cockade, together with the original double gilt bullion chin cords denoting general officer rank. The visor remains fitted with its original black vulcan fibre peak, while the interior retains its sweatband, silk lining and clear Erel maker’s logo.

An especially interesting feature is the presence of the Luftwaffe Erel manufacturer’s diamond inside the crown. This is entirely consistent with original production, as many senior RLB officials were former Luftwaffe generals and senior air force officers who transferred into the Reichsluftschutzbund. Erel frequently used existing Luftwaffe cap components and liners when producing these senior RLB visor caps, making the Luftwaffe-marked interior a recognised period manufacturing characteristic rather than a later replacement.

The Reichsluftschutzbund served as Germany’s national civil air-raid protection organisation and was responsible for preparing the civilian population against aerial attack. Senior RLB officers, particularly those holding general rank, were often drawn directly from the Luftwaffe, bringing their military experience into the organisation’s command structure. As a result, original RLB General’s visor caps are considerably scarcer than their Luftwaffe counterparts and are seldom encountered in today’s collecting market.

This example displays honest period wear while retaining excellent overall form and strong original insignia. The combination of its desirable Erel manufacture, complete bullion fittings, Luftwaffe-marked interior, and direct association with the senior leadership of the Reichsluftschutzbund makes it an outstanding collector’s piece. It represents an increasingly difficult-to-find example of one of the Third Reich’s most prestigious civil defence headpieces and would make a significant addition to any advanced collection of German visor caps or Luftwaffe-related militaria.