Germany, Heer. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, by Franz Ritter

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43). A very well-preserved Heer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool. The cap is fully 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 grey bakelite 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 bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, set above a tricolour cockade. The peak insignia measures 60 mm (w) x 44 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. A grey rayon-cotton blended liner fully encompassed the interior. Stamped onto the crown is a Reichsbetriebsnummer of “0/0678/5015” for maker Franz Ritter vorm. Carl Roth, Würzburg, a manufacture date of “44”, and a size of “56”. The cap measures approximately 205 mm (w) x 265 mm (l) x 120 mm (h). There is a crack to the centre of the visor core, but the cap is in an otherwise extremely fine condition.