Germany, Heer. A Panzer Officer’s M43 Field Cap

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Offizier der Panzertruppe). A rare Heer Panzer Officer’s M43 field cap, constructed of black whipcord wool. It is surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, offering optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with two black bakelite buttons which emanate from the right flap and meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The crown is fully trimmed along the exterior edge with a band of silver aluminum wire piping. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a black rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, above a tricolor cockade. The insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical black whipcord wool. The interior features a brown leather sweatband measuring 25 mm in width, and is also fully encompassed by a black rayon liner. The cap is fully unmarked and measures approximately 190 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 140 mm (h). Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include some deterioration of the silver wire features, a crack to the centre of the visor core, and soiling and fatigue of the sweatband. This experienced cap is in an overall very fine condition.