The Kriegsmarine cockade for the peaked cap represents a fascinating example of German naval uniforms during World War II. This particular cockade, manufactured around 1943/44, distinguishes itself through its unusual material – glass – from the typical metal versions and testifies to the increasing resource shortages during the late war period.

The peaked cap (Tellermütze) was an essential component of the German Kriegsmarine uniform for enlisted men and petty officers. The cockade served as the central insignia on the front of the cap and symbolized national allegiance. In its traditional form, the cockade consisted of concentric circles in the Reich colors: black-white-red, which dated back to the flag of the German Empire and were retained during the Third Reich.

The Kriegsmarine dress regulations, established in various editions of the “Anzugordnung für die Kriegsmarine” (AnzO - Dress Regulations for the Navy), precisely defined the appearance and wearing of all uniform items. For enlisted men, the peaked cap with the corresponding cockade was prescribed for certain service occasions, particularly for shore leave and formal events.

The manufacture from glass is particularly noteworthy and documents the material shortages of the late war phase. From 1943 onwards, the German war economy was increasingly affected by raw material scarcity. Metals, especially non-ferrous metals such as brass and copper, were prioritized for war-essential purposes such as ammunition production and military equipment. This led to a variety of substitute materials (Ersatzstoffe) in uniform manufacturing.

The glass construction allowed the colored areas of the cockade to be represented through lacquering, while the rear-mounted fastening pins ensured attachment to the peaked cap. This construction demonstrates the adaptability of the German armaments industry, even though the quality and durability of such substitute products were naturally inferior to the original metal versions.

The fact that this specimen is unworn suggests that it was possibly produced shortly before the end of the war but never issued. The damage to the center may indicate the fragility of the material – glass was more susceptible to breakage than metal, which limited the practical suitability of such cockades.

In the context of maritime traditions, the cockade had a long history in European navies. The German Navy adopted this tradition from the Imperial era, and even in the heavily National Socialist-influenced Wehrmacht, many traditional elements of uniforming were retained. The Kriegsmarine under Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz and his predecessor Erich Raeder placed great emphasis on maintaining maritime traditions.

Such uniform items from the late war period are today important historical testimonies to the economic situation of the German Reich in the final war years. They document not only military history but also the desperate attempts to maintain warfare despite collapsing infrastructure and missing resources.