WW1 Imperial German Navy S.M.S. Hannover Sailor’s Hat Tally

Description:
This is an original WW1-era Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) sailor’s hat tally from the battleship S.M.S. Hannover. The black silk ribbon features the name “S.M.S. HANNOVER” embroidered in silver bullion thread, a striking and historically significant piece of naval memorabilia. Hat tallies like this were worn on the flat sailor caps of crew members, representing their specific ship assignment.

The ribbon measures approximately 34 inches in length, showing some wear consistent with its age and service, but the lettering remains clear and well-preserved. This tally is a rare artifact from one of the German Navy’s key battleships.

Historical Context:
The S.M.S. Hannover was a Deutschland-class pre-dreadnought battleship of the Imperial German Navy. Commissioned in 1907, she served in both World War I and briefly in World War II. During WW1, Hannover was part of the High Seas Fleet, primarily tasked with coastal defense and fleet maneuvers. Although the ship saw limited combat, she was instrumental in the Battle of Jutland as part of the 2nd Battle Squadron.

As naval warfare evolved and dreadnoughts became dominant, ships like the S.M.S. Hannover became outdated, but they continued to serve important roles during the war. This hat tally represents the pride and identity of the sailors who served aboard, making it a valued piece for collectors of Imperial German militaria and naval history.

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