These garrison caps were worn by all branches of the service, from the beginning of the BGS, until the beret was introduced in the 1980's. The garrison cap was primarily worn around the barracks and for training. After the beret came into general use, the garrison cap continued to be used by the air crews in the Bundesgrenzschutz flight divisions.
The hat that I have is dated 1979 and is in new condition. On first glance, one would think that they were the same as the Olive Green hats that were used by the Bundeswehr. The only thing shared by the two, is the front cockade. The BGS hat uses the same olive green cockade as the BW hats. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two hats:
Here are a few more detailed shots of this Bundesgrenzschutz hat:
To finish things up, here are two historic BGS photos showing the BGS Schiffchen in use. The first photo is from 1973 and the second is from 1972:
I think it is great you are collecting Bundesgrenzschutz! I think you are the only one I know that is doing it, and it is heart-warming to see it is not ending up re-tailored and mangled on some "Fräulein". Way to much equipment have been lost through the decades.
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