The cap tally of the survey ship Meteor represents a fascinating piece of German naval history and documents the scientific activities of the Imperial and later the Reichsmarine. Cap tallies had been integral components of naval uniforms since the second half of the 19th century and served to identify a sailor's ship assignment.

The Meteor was no ordinary warship but a specialized survey and research vessel that played a significant role in German naval history. The name “Meteor” was used multiple times in the German Navy, with the most famous ship of this name being the vessel launched as a gunboat in 1915, which was later converted into a survey ship.

The present metal-thread woven execution of the cap tally demonstrates the high-quality manufacturing method typical of naval uniforms. In this technique, genuine metal threads – usually made of gilt or silvered bronze – were woven into the base fabric. This not only gave the band a representative luster but also increased durability against the weather conditions at sea. The length of 151 cm corresponds to the usual measurements for cap tallies of the Imperial Navy and later Reichsmarine.

The survey ship Meteor conducted one of the most significant oceanographic expeditions in German scientific history between 1925 and 1927 – the German Atlantic Expedition. Under the scientific direction of Professor Alfred Merz and later Georg Wüst, the Meteor crossed the South Atlantic in 14 profiles, taking more than 67,000 depth measurements. This expedition established fundamental knowledge about ocean currents, temperatures, and the topography of the Atlantic Ocean.

The crew of the Meteor consisted of naval personnel and civilian scientists. The sailors wore the regulation cap with the cap tally indicating their ship assignment. According to the uniform regulations of the Reichsmarine, wearing the cap tally on the sailor's cap (also known as the “flat hat”) was mandatory for all enlisted ranks. The inscription on the band had to be clearly legible and was executed in gold or silver block letters.

The rarity of this cap tally can be explained by several factors: First, the crew size of survey ships was significantly smaller than that of large warships. Second, many maritime textiles were not preserved after service but were disposed of or repurposed. Third, World War II led to the destruction or loss of numerous military memorabilia.

The history of German survey ships dates back to the late 19th century, when the rapidly expanding Imperial Navy required precise nautical charts for its worldwide operations. Ships such as the “Möwe,” “Planet,” and indeed the “Meteor” contributed to the cartographic documentation of the world's oceans and combined military interests with scientific progress.

The end of the Meteor came during World War II. After 1939, the ship was returned to active naval service and eventually suffered war damage. However, the scientific tradition continued: several successor ships also bore the name “Meteor” and continue oceanographic research to this day.

For collectors of maritime militaria, cap tallies from special ships like the Meteor represent particularly sought-after objects. The worn condition of this specimen confirms its authenticity and tells of actual use by a member of the crew. The metal-thread weaving often allows for more precise dating, as manufacturing techniques and materials changed over time.