Germany, Heer. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, Named and Unit-Attributed

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Mannschaften). An extremely well-preserved Heer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of field-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 by 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 is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, directly above a tri-colour cockade. The insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding card stock-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece grey cotton twill liner. Stitched to the crown is a tag bearing an owner’s name of “PAWLOWSKI”, above a unit attribution of “2. KOMP. INF. RGT. 17”. Also stamped onto the crown in black ink is a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0380/0332” for an unidentified manufacturer, with a manufacture date of “E43” (as the owner’s unit was dispersed in 1942, it is possible that the tag was removed and replaced from an earlier piece of headgear), and a size mark of “57”. It measures approximately 20 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 13.5 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor soiling of the interior liner consistent with field use, it remains in an extremely fine condition.