Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap

(Waffen-SS Einheitsfeldmütze M43). An extremely well-preserved Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s M43 field cap constructed of field-grey whipcord wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, offering optional ear and neck protection for the wearer. When not in use, the panels roll up and are secured in place by two pebbled and silvered zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, above a Totenkopf. The insignia measures 58 mm (w) x 44 mm (h) overall. The exterior features are completed with a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, with the cardboard fully intact and free of commonly-seen cracking. A dark grey rayon liner fully encompasses the interior of the cap, with a size of “56” stamped onto the crown in black ink. It is otherwise unmarked and measures approximately 200 mm (w) x 250 mm (l) x 130 mm (h). With only minor signs of material fatigue, this is a rare example of a Waffen-SS M43 cap in extremely fine condition.