Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, by Bayerische Mützen-Fabrik

(Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Männer der Ordnungspolizei). A very well-preserved Ordnungspolizei M43 field cap, constructed of classic Polizei-style blue/green wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, providing optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. The panels are reinforced along the top edge with double rows of machine stitching. When not in use, they are rolled up and secured in place at the front with two pebbled 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 an elongated hexagonal blue-green rayon backer, bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Ordnungspolizei insignia topped by a tri-colour cockade. The peak insignia measures 38 mm (w) x 52 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. The interior is encompassed by an olive-drab cotton blended visor, stamped on the crown with a black ink manufacturer’s mark of “BAYER. MÜTZEN PAT. MÜNCHEN”, a date of “M/44”, and a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0850/0387” for the same manufacturing collective. It also bears a size mark of “57”. The cap measures approximately 210 mm (w) x 245 mm (l) x 140 mm (h). Moderate soiling is evident to the exterior wool and insignia, but the cap is in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.