by CollectinSteve Thu May 19, 2011 12:23 am
Yup! Genuine, though sadly missing the "bullseye" badge. Dated March 1959 by Bamberger Hat Company, one of the longest running hat makers for German uniformed services. These hats were the first and only type made in camouflage for the BGS and, as far as I can tell, only in the 1959-1963 range. Very hard to find, very expensive when found. I think the one that just sold for $120 was ridiculously over priced, but who am I to say since at least two people wanted it that badly!
The common repros are a rubberized fabric. As far as I know not a single one of them is genuine, though they have been produced for over 25 years at least (I have one from mid 1980s). BGS discontinued the use of camouflage in 1976, though GSG-9 continued to use it for helmet covers and possibly body armor until fairly recently.
Steve