Gents,

 

I recently picked up a scarce cap insignia of the Colonial Schutztruppen / Polizeitruppen that I thought I would show. I was not certain what it was when I bought it at a show but research determined it is an insignia only worn by specific Senior NCO Portepeeunteroffizier in the Colonial Troops. Specifically, it is a gelb (gold) color Colonial eagle (Adler Wappen) that is 1 5/8" x 1 1/4" with two split prongs to attach to a Mutze (cap), Hut (hat), or Troppenhelm (pith helmet). A white eagle was worn by a Zahlmeister but this gold eagle was only worn by a Rossartz, Oberbuchsenmacher, or a Polizeimeister. The first two served in the Schutztruppen while the last mentioned was in the separate Colonial Polizeitruppen. These specific Senior NCOs could also wear Colonial Officer swords and sword knots (Portepee), hence their titles as a Portepeeunteroffizier, although not all Unteroffizier mit Portepee were authorized to wear this small eagle insignia.

 

 

Very nice!!! Hard one to find I'm sure.