Let me say first off that I have always felt that the brass ventilator which can be seen on quite a few surviving forage caps was an item that has been conspicuously absent in the hobby for so many years. There have been a few attempts over the years to provide hat ventilators (not thee ventilator) with poor results. I always said that if someone produced a replica based on exacting standards I would be the first in line to get one. Well I did.

I recently purchased a Sekela Type II cap with a ventilator. Besides the fact that cap itself is first rate (top quality wool of the correct color, precise patterns taken from original caps, spot on chin strap buckle, High quality workmanship, etc. etc.) all I can say is wow!! The ventilator is amazing. I know it's just a simple little brass device so why get all excited about it? Well, to be honest I've seen a number of original caps up close sporting these over the years and Nick's reproduction is spot on. I mean you can't do it any better, no way, no how. He's resurrected these little beauties in exacting detail. If your in the market for highly authentic forage cap I highly recommend one of Nick's and don't pass up the ventilators, they are amazing!