Germany, Heer. A Panzer Officer’s M43 Field Cap

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Offiziere der Panzertruppe). An extremely well-preserved Heer Panzer Officer’s M43 field cap, constructed of black 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 by two pebbled and black-painted magnetic metal buttons emanating from the right flap and meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. A length of silver aluminum wire piping trims the outer edge of the crown. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a black rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, just above a tricolour cockade. The eagle insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall, and is secured in place with its factory original zig-zag stitching. Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, lined in identical black wool. A partial light brown leather sweatband is set across the forehead, while the interior is also fully encompassed by a multi-piece grey rayon liner. The liner is unmarked with the exception of a black ink size mark of “56”. Measuring approximately 195 mm (w) x 255 mm (l) x 125 mm (h), it is free of evident faults and is in a near mint condition.