Germany, Heer. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43). A very well-preserved Heer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool twill. It is fully surrounded by fold-down panels, scalloped at the front, providing optional ear and neck protection for the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with dual bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon trapezoid, overlaid by a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle above a tri-colour cockade. The insignia measures 60 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in a field-grey wool twill. The interior features a multi-piece grey rayon liner with a high sheen. Stamped onto the crown in black ink is a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0125/0197” and a size mark of “57”. The cap measures approximately 185 mm (w) x 275 mm (l) x 150 mm (h). Minor issues consistent with age and field-use are evident, and include some material fatigue of the wool and insignia, along with a central crack to the visor reinforcement. The cap is in an overall near extremely fine condition.