Belgium   Belgian gendarmerie kepi (WWII) Very interesting cap for the Gendarmerie branch of the Belgian police. This particular piece probably dates from the 1930s, but is virtually identical to those caps used as far back as WWI. The Gendarms were an important part of the first line of defense at the Belgian border during the German invasion in 1940. After the fall of Belgium, they worked alongside the German troops. A curious feature of this cap is the Nazi stamp on the lining, along with the German phrase “kostümfundes kasse,” which means “found costume box.” If you have any theories as to what these markings represent, please drop me a line. Make sure to scroll down to see the second detailed picture. A close-up of the rather interesting German stamps on the lining.