German Shako Hat
The German military police, known as the Feldgendarmerie, played a crucial role in maintaining discipline, enforcing regulations, and overseeing security within the armed forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. Among the most iconic and visually distinctive elements of their uniform was the Gendarmerie NCOs' shako—a tall, rigid military cap that reflected both tradition and authority. This headgear was not only a practical part of the uniform but also a deeply symbolic item, representing the legacy and structure of German military order.
The shako worn by Feldgendarmerie non-commissioned officers was rooted in a style that dated back to earlier German and Prussian military traditions. Its high, tapered crown and rigid construction made it immediately recognizable, often associated with ceremonial dress or elite troops. For the Feldgendarmerie, it signified their unique role within the Wehrmacht and later the Waffen-SS, distinguishing them from regular soldiers and other branches of service. These shakos were typically constructed from fiber or vulcanized fiberboard, covered in black lacquered fabric or leather to provide a sleek and authoritative appearance. The front of the shako prominently featured the Wehrmacht eagle, perched above a metal national cockade—symbols that reinforced loyalty to the state and the Führer.
An important feature of the shako was its decorative chinstrap, usually made of aluminum for NCOs, resting above the peak when not in use. This strap was both ornamental and functional, intended to secure the hat during movement or combat operations. The visor, usually black and highly polished, extended forward to shield the eyes and added to the cap's imposing silhouette. The interior of the shako was often lined with leather for comfort and to absorb sweat during prolonged wear, reflecting the practical needs of military police operating in various field conditions.
The design of the Feldgendarmerie shako was not the work of a single individual but rather the result of a continuation and formalization of historical patterns by the Reichswehrministerium in the early 1930s. As Nazi military structure evolved, the oversight of uniform design fell to the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, which placed strong emphasis on tradition, visual authority, and standardization. The shako itself was heavily influenced by earlier 19th-century Prussian and Imperial German military police headgear, deliberately preserved and modernized to convey continuity and discipline.
Production of these shakos was entrusted to several prominent civilian manufacturers in Germany, firms that had established reputations for crafting military uniforms and headgear. Among the most notable were Erel, the trade name of the Robert Lubstein company in Berlin, as well as Clemens Wagner and Carl Halfar. These companies followed strict government-issued specifications regarding shape, materials, and insignia placement to ensure consistency across all units. The metal components, such as the Wehrmacht eagle and cockade, were often made by specialized firms and then affixed to the hat during final assembly by the primary manufacturers. These items were typically stamped with maker marks on the interior leather sweatband or under the crown, a detail that later became essential for collectors and historians seeking to verify authenticity.
The Feldgendarmerie were often referred to as the “chain dogs,” a nickname derived from the prominent gorget chain they wore around their necks, but their shako was equally emblematic. It became a symbol of their feared presence. Feldgendarmerie units were frequently tasked with policing rear areas, apprehending deserters, and directing military traffic—duties that required a distinct and authoritative appearance to project control and discipline. The shako, with its almost paramilitary appearance, supported this image, blending the aesthetics of law enforcement with the military bearing expected of German forces at the time.
During the war, as the conflict grew more intense and widespread, practical considerations began to influence uniform choices. The rigid shako became less suited for front-line conditions or rapid deployment, and many Feldgendarmerie began to wear more practical field caps in combat zones. However, the shako continued to be worn in rear areas, during parades, or for ceremonial duties, maintaining its place as a symbol of military police authority.
Post-war, the legacy of the Feldgendarmerie and their shako became an object of both historical curiosity and collectors’ interest. Original examples of the Gendarmerie NCOs' shako are now highly prized artifacts, valued for their craftsmanship, rarity, and association with one of the most recognizable branches of the German military apparatus. Manufacturer markings, material details, and insignia placement are carefully scrutinized to verify originality and provenance.
