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 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 zink buttons emanating from the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, set above a tricolour cockade. The peak insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 45 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece grey rayon liner. Stamped onto the crown in black ink is a manufacture date of “43”, a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0460/0034” for an unidentified manufacturer, and a size mark of “57”. It measures approximately 200 mm (w) x 265 mm (l) x 130 mm (h). The centre of the visor reinforcement had been cracked, and minor material fatigue is evident to the wool. The cap is in an overall near extremely fine condition.