Germany, Luftwaffe. A 1st Fallschirm-Panzer Division Hermann Göring EM/NCO’s Single-Button M43 Cap, by Lohmann KG

(Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Männer der Fallschirm-Panzer-Division 1. Hermann Göring). A rare and extremely well-preserved 1st Fallschirm-Panzer Division Hermann Göring EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of black wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, offering optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. Unusually for a Hermann Göring Division cap, the panels on this example are secured in place with a single bakelite button on the right flap meeting an analogous buttonhole on the left flap. Affixed to the left flap is a gilded zink traditions badge presenting as a shooting star, similar to the insignia used by Fallschirmjäger Sturm Regiments. It measures 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (h), is secured in place with dual reverse attachment prongs, and retains almost all of its original gilt finish. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a black wool backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, measuring 70 mm (w) x 40 mm (h). Directly underneath the eagle, the cap bears a second insignia in the form of a machine-embroidered tricolour cockade measuring 22 mm in diameter. A dark grey, multi-piece, rayon-blended liner fully encompasses the interior. Stamped onto the crown in black ink is a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0620/002” indicating manufacture by Lohmann KG, Fahr Rhein, a manufacture date of “1944”, and a size mark of “58”. It measures approximately 210 mm (w) x 275 mm (l) x 120 mm (h). With only slight wear evident to the exterior wool, this rare cap is in an overall extremely fine condition.