Taken directly from an original example, our reproduction is a true example of the "schiffchen" with the curved bottom edge. It is surprising to find the amount of intricate patternmaking, which all come together to create the curved shape of this hat. Other reproductions that we have noted are cut straight, and look more like a Nazi fry-cook's hat, than headgear worn by the elite. Our reproduction has structure along the top, being reinforced with linen, and having a piped seam along the top and front. The drab cotton twill lining is tacked long the top seam. We use the correct overseas cap size "totenkopf" and reichsadler, both of which are hand applied. While the conventional thought among collectors is that the german insignia was machine sewn the wartime book "Das Gesicht der Deutschen Soldat" shows closeup images of german soldiers wearing clearly and applied insignia. Also included is the threaded loop for the removable branch of service "waffenfarbe". Waffenfarbe is included, but not attached, as holes are required for the insertion. Later SS styles did not have waffenfarbe. Hat can only be shipped to Germany and France WITHOUT INSIGNIA Per Paragraph 86 des Strafgesetzbuches.