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

(Waffen-SS Einheitsfeldmütze für Mannschaften der Panzertruppe). A well-preserved Waffen-SS Panzer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of thick black 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 at the front by two black bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. It is flanked on each side of the crown by ventilation holes, both reinforced with blackened magnetic metal eyelets. The peak bears evidence of having once beared a trapezoidal insignia, which has since been removed, and the exterior features are completed by a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor. A dark grey rayon liner fully encompasses the interior, and bears a number of marks. These include a partially-legible Reichsbetriebsnummer which appears to read “0/0375/0018”, a manufacture date of “1944”, and a size stamp of “59”. Other marks have been blackened-out postwar, and it is possible that these were studio marks, indicating the cap was used as an authentic prop in film productions. In addition to the missing insignia and marking of the interior, there is some oxidation of the ventilation eyelets, material fatigue of the exterior wool, and general interior soiling. This otherwise well-preserved and potentially storied example is in an overall very fine condition.