German Police "Polizei" Shako – 1960s – Friederich Becker & Co. – with Original 1960s Newspaper Clipping Up for auction is an authentic German police shako from the 1960s, manufactured by Friederich Becker & Co., a well-known postwar supplier of police headgear in the Federal Republic of Germany. Description This shako is in good condition for its age and reflects all the typical features of the West German police models from the post-war era. The front is fitted with the large metal starburst badge featuring a crowned shield with a red lion, used by several Landespolizei units of the time. The original top-mounted cockade with red center is still present and gives the helmet its distinctive ceremonial appearance. The leather chinstrap, complete with both buckles, is fully intact — an element often missing on surviving examples. Special feature: original 1960s newspaper clipping Included is an original 1960s newspaper fragment discovered with the helmet. It contains period advertisements (VW 1500, VW 1600, Mercedes 200/67), confirming the era in which this shako was used and stored. Such finds add historical context and enhance the collectible value. Historical background The shako has a long and culturally significant history within German uniform traditions: 19th century Prussian Army: Elite light infantry units such as the Jäger and Schützen troops famously wore shakos, which became a defining part of their appearance. Early 20th century: Variants of the shako continued to be used by military and police forces, including during World War I, especially within the Ordnungspolizei. Post-1945: The shako reappeared in a modernised form within the West German police, mainly for parades, ceremonies, and formal occasions, until it was gradually phased out in the late 1960s. This example is therefore a direct descendant of a uniform style spanning well over a century — from Prussian Jäger to postwar police forces. Condition Black lacquered body with age-appropriate wear Original metal badge and cockade present Leather chinstrap complete Comes with the 1960s newspaper clipping as a period accessory Materials & Measurements Material: pressed leather / composite (typical for 1960s police shakos) Height: approx. 20–22 cm Weight: approx. 600–800 g A fine collectible A great item for collectors of police memorabilia, German uniform history, or ceremonial head