Germany, Heer. An Early Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s Bergmütze, by J. Korn

(Bergmütze für Heer Gebirgsjäger). An early and extremely well-preserved Heer Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s Bergmütze, constructed of field-grey wool will. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, with frontal scalloping, offering optional neck and ear protection for the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with two brown bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The left panel bears a magnetic metal insignia consisting of an edelweiss with a central six-bulbed gilt stamen. It measures 50 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) and is secured to the cap with hand stitching set through five integrated loops. The cap is flanked on each side by a single ventilation hole, both reinforced with zink grommets. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a T-shaped field-grey rayon base bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, above a tri-colour cockade. The insignia measures 56 mm (w) x 44 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined with field-grey wool. A light brown leather sweatband fully encompasses the interior rim, and is secured in place with an intact row of machine stitching. The interior also features a complete brown cotton-blended liner, with an integrated and reinforced loop of identical construction affixed to the peak, maintaining the structural integrity of the peak. Stamped onto the crown is a black ink maker’s mark of “KORN” for the firm of J. Korn of Saarbrücken, with a size of “56”. The cap measures approximately 210 mm (w) x 245 mm (l) x 135 mm (h). With no evident wear or damage, this rare and early example is in a near mint condition.