Germany, Heer. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap

(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 toward the front, providing optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels roll up and secure in place at the front with two pebbled magnetic metal buttons which emanate from the right flap and meet and equal number of reinforced buttonholes set into 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, situated above a tri-colour cockade. The peak insignia measures 60 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding visor with a card stock core, fully lined in identical wool. The interior is encompassed by a multi-piece slate-grey cotton/rayon-blended liner. Stamped onto the crown in black ink is a Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.) of “0/0380/0332” indicating manufacture by an unidentified maker, situated above a date of “F43”, and a size mark of “56”. It measures approximately 21 cm (w) x 27 cm (l). Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, it remains in an extremely fine condition.