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

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43). An extremely well-preserved Heer M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool. It is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, which offer optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place at the front with two grey-painted non-magnetic metal buttons emanating from the right flap and 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 bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, just above a tri-colour cockade. The peak insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. The interior features a complete grey-brown cotton-blended liner, with a number of marks stamped onto the crown in black ink. These include a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0380/0332” for an unidentified Chemnitz-based manufacturer, a manufacture date of “F. 43” for 1943, and a size mark of “56”. The cap measures approximately 210 mm (w) x 245 mm (l) x 130 mm (h).