caps
Object numberM1993/027
Titlecaps
DescriptionBlue and white striped concentration camp cap given to Zygmunt Hilfstein upon arrival, Auschwitz, November 1942. “…The hat I kept - was very lucky to keep - until Liberation. I donated it here to the Jewish Museum in Sydney.”
Zygmunt Hilfstein was born 27 July 1924 in Krakow, Poland. While living in Krakow, he learnt a trade in plumbing. In 1941, his family moved to Wieliczka. In May 1942, German SS infiltrated the town and separated Zygmunt from his mother and sister. Zygmunt stayed and was forced to work in Wieliczka. In June 1942 he was taken to Stalowa Wola to work in the steel works. After injuring his hands, he ran away. He travelled to Krakow by train. For five weeks, he snuck in and out of Krakow ghetto. He worked with the Jewish underground to sabotage the Germans. After being betrayed, he was questioned and tortured by German soldiers. He was then taken to Montelupich prison.
After three months, Zygmunt was released and transported to Auschwitz concentration camp. He was given a registered, tattooed with 108585, and striped camp uniform and cap. In 1943 he was transferred to Birkenau, where he was a slave to forced labour until 1944. He was later transported to Dachau. In Dachau he met Magda Kohn who worked in the kitchens. The German’s marched the prisoners from Dachau to Buchberg, Magda and her mother supported Zygmunt on the journey, half carrying him. American soldiers liberated them on 1 May 1945.
After travelling to Feldafing DP camp, Zygmunt and Magda married on 8 June 1945. Staying until 1947, then they immigrated to Sydney, Australia on 15 August 1947.
Zygmunt Hilfstein was born 27 July 1924 in Krakow, Poland. While living in Krakow, he learnt a trade in plumbing. In 1941, his family moved to Wieliczka. In May 1942, German SS infiltrated the town and separated Zygmunt from his mother and sister. Zygmunt stayed and was forced to work in Wieliczka. In June 1942 he was taken to Stalowa Wola to work in the steel works. After injuring his hands, he ran away. He travelled to Krakow by train. For five weeks, he snuck in and out of Krakow ghetto. He worked with the Jewish underground to sabotage the Germans. After being betrayed, he was questioned and tortured by German soldiers. He was then taken to Montelupich prison.
After three months, Zygmunt was released and transported to Auschwitz concentration camp. He was given a registered, tattooed with 108585, and striped camp uniform and cap. In 1943 he was transferred to Birkenau, where he was a slave to forced labour until 1944. He was later transported to Dachau. In Dachau he met Magda Kohn who worked in the kitchens. The German’s marched the prisoners from Dachau to Buchberg, Magda and her mother supported Zygmunt on the journey, half carrying him. American soldiers liberated them on 1 May 1945.
After travelling to Feldafing DP camp, Zygmunt and Magda married on 8 June 1945. Staying until 1947, then they immigrated to Sydney, Australia on 15 August 1947.
Production date 1942 - 1945
Subjectconcentration camps, uniforms
Object nameconcentration camp clothing
Materialfibres (fabrics)
Dimensions
- diameter: 240.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr. Zygmund Hilfstein