Belgian Police Cap
The white Belgian police cap with a fixed cover is a specific uniform item, best known from the traffic police and highway patrol (the well-known "swans") before the 2001 police reform. Unlike models with a removable fabric cover, this model is covered with a fixed, shiny material (often white leather or a synthetic material such as vinyl).
Features of the model with a fixed cover:
- Material: The top is covered with a tightly stretched white material that is not intended to be removed. This made the cap weatherproof and easier to clean with a damp cloth, which was essential for officers who spent all day in traffic.
- Visibility: The shiny white surface reflected light, making the officer more visible to motorists at intersections.
- Cap band: Usually dark blue or black, this band often featured fine blue piping.
- Visor: Made of shiny black leather or synthetic material. For higher ranks, such as an inspector, the peak could be decorated with a silver or gold border or oak leaves.
Specific Forces and Emblems
- Municipal Police: Often wore the metal municipal coat of arms or a universal police emblem (silver for police officers, gold for officers) on the white cap.
- Rijkswacht (Road Police): Used the well-known "flaming grenade" as an emblem. The white cap was the standard insignia of the units that supervised road traffic.
- Manufacturers: Many of these high-quality caps with fixed covers were produced by specialized Belgian firms such as Seymour (Brussels) or Peküro and Robert Weber (Liège).
Collectible Value
Examples with a fixed white leather cover are often valued more highly by collectors than those with a loose cotton cover, as they are less susceptible to discoloration and retain their shape better. An original cap in good condition with its accompanying emblem is a rare relic of the Belgian street scene from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Size: 54
