German WWII Waffen-SS Officer's SS-VT M40 Cap, First Pattern

German, Third Reich. First-pattern SS-VT officer's M40 cap, intended for wear with the black service dress or Panzer uniform, in an early grade of black wool with a silver-wire embroidered eagle on wool and silver metallic turn-up piping fitted at manufacture, retaining its original RZM manufacturer's tag. The reverse of the SS button is marked "SS", "RZM" and "94/40". This short-lived pattern preceded the version with separately applied woven insignia. Good condition. A similar example can be found on "virtualgrenadier.com" where it was sold for $9,500 USD.