BACKGROUND: The basis of the RAD, "Reichs Arbeitsdienst" (National Labor-service), dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD, "Anhalt Arbeitsdienst" (Anhalt Labor-service), and the FAD-B, "Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern" (Volunteer Labor-service [of]-Bavaria). Shortly after Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, on January 30th, 1933, the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labor organizations, into the NSAD, "Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst" (National-socialist Labor-service); a national labor service. In June of 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. In July of the same year RAD service became compulsory, with all German citizens between 19 and 25 years of age required to enlist for a six month term. This law also decreed that all military conscripts serve a nine month term.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An earthy field gray brown wool M43 German WW2 field cap, introduced in 1943, with fold-down side panels, in the same material as the crown and body of the cap, which narrow and scallop where they are fastened, by two buttons and their corresponding buttonholes, in the front. Cap has the cloth RAD insignia with appearing to be machine stitched in place. The interior is fully lined with the original owner's cloth tag still inside with some faded ink stampings behind it. Roughly a size 59. Gently worn example. Please use detailed photos to determine originality as I'm more of a helmet's guy and don't know about about old German caps.
$140 + $10 Shipping USA/Canada
