Germany, Wehrmacht. A Heer Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s Mountain Cap, by Hans Schildberger

(Heer Bergmütze für Gebirgsjäger). An exceptionally well-preserved Heer Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s Bergmütze (Mountain Cap), constructed of field-grey wool twill. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, gently scalloped at the front, providing optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with two brown bakelite buttons emanating from the right side meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Additionally, each side of the crown features a ventilation hole reinforced with a zink eyelet. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia in the form of a T-shaped field-grey rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. Beneath the eagle is a machine-embroidered tricolour cockade. The insignia measures 60 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Stitched onto the left side of the panelling is a second insignia consisting of a magnetic metal edelweiss with gilded stamen, measuring 50 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). The exterior features complete with a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, with the core notably intact and no demonstrating any cracking as is common with period visors. A brown leather sweatband surrounded the lower edge of the interior, measuring 30 mm in width and securely held in place with machine stitching. The interior is also fully encompassed by a multi-piece grey cotton-blended liner. Affixed to the interior of the peak is a reinforced strap, securely maintaining the structure of the peak while in wear. Stamped onto the crown in black ink is a maker’s mark of “HANS SCHILDBERGER, MÜNCHEN”, with a size mark of “57”. The cap measures approximately 210 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 135 mm (h). It presents free of evident fauls an is in an overall near mint condition.