Prussian Officer’s Dress Cap by C. W. Borchert, Berlin – Late Imperial Period, ca. 1900–1914

Construction & Materials

This rare Prussian officer’s dress cap (officer’s cap, dress cap) dates to the late Imperial period under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Made of red and blue felt, it features the classic short black visor typical of Prussian military headgear of the early 20th century.

The interior carries the stamped maker’s mark of C. W. Borchert, Berlin, a prestigious Court Supplier (Hoflieferant) to the German Emperor and King, located on Friedrichstraße 157. Borchert belonged to the elite circle of manufacturers authorised to supply the Kaiserhof with luxury goods and officer equipment.

A distinguished detail is the gold‑embossed crown and initial on the leather sweatband, indicating ownership by a member of the nobility. Such personalised officer caps were produced in very small numbers and are today exceptionally scarce.

The cap shows visible wear inside and outside — felt abrasion, patina, and authentic signs of age — reflecting its Prussian military history. Despite this, it remains a remarkable example of Imperial German military fashion and Berlin court craftsmanship. Items from Borchert are highly sought after for their imperial provenance, quality of manufacture, and historical significance.

Please note: The decoration is not included. Only the cap is for sale.

Borchert, Berlin – Court Supplier to the German Emperor

Historical Background

Borchert of Berlin was a prestigious German court supplier (Hoflieferant) active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company operated from the prominent address Friedrichstraße 157, one of the most important commercial streets in imperial Berlin.

As an officially appointed Purveyor to the Court of His Majesty the German Emperor and King of Prussia, Borchert belonged to the elite group of manufacturers authorised to supply the Imperial Household and the Prussian officer class. Their products typically carried the prestigious designations:

• “Königlich Preußischer Hoflieferant”

• “Hoflieferant Sr. Majestät des Kaisers und Königs”

These titles were granted only to businesses demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and consistent service to the imperial court.

Product Range & Significance

Although detailed archival records are scarce, Borchert is documented as a high‑quality Berlin manufacturer and retailer, known for producing:

• fine leather goods

• uniform accessories

• officer equipment

• luxury personal items for the imperial household

Surviving pieces — especially officer caps with personalised insignia — are rare and highly desirable for collectors of Prussian militaria, Kaiserreich uniforms, and court supplier artefacts.