Germany, HJ. A Flak Helper’s Field Cap

(HJ-Flakhelfer Feldmütze). A well-preserved HJ Flak Helper’s field cap, constructed of dark slate-grey wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, 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 at the front with a single pebbled and grey-painted magnetic metal button on the right flap meeting an analogous reinforced buttonhole on the left flap. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a multi-coloured cotton-blended HJ insignia, measuring 15 mm (w) x 28 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. The interior features a complete dark grey rayon liner, stitched into a checkered patted. Affixed to the crown is a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) label bearing a maker’s code of “43”, along with a secondary code of “17143”. Also stamped onto the crown in black ink is a size mark of “55”. It measures approximately 180 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 100 mm (h). Minor material fatigue consistent with light use is evident, but the cap is in an overall near extremely fine condition.