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

(Einheitsfeldmütze M43 mit Brille). An EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool twill. It features fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, offering optional ear and neck protection for the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with two pebbled magnetic metal 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, itself bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, above a tricolour cockade. The insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Stitched onto the left side of the panels is a magnetic metal edelweiss with a six-blubed gilt stamen, measuring 50 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in field-grey wool. A dark brown rayon liner encompasses the interior, which is fully unmarked. The cap measures approximately 200 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 130 mm (h). Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include material fatigue of the wool, loss of its sweatband, and loss of the interior crown moisture guard. The cap is in an overall very fine condition.

It is accompanied by a pair of goggles, constructed of two olive-drab painted eyepieces with yellow-tinted lenses. Three ventilation holes are stamped into the outer edge of each. The seams of both eyepieces are lined in faux fur for a comfortable fit, and joined together in the middle by a thin brown leather strap. A black cotton drawstring also emanates from the outer rim of each eyepiece and ties together for secure wear. The goggles are unmarked and in an overall very fine condition.