Germany, Heer. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, Named and Unit-Attributed, by Schmid & Menner

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Mannschaften). An extremely well-preserved Heer M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, providing optional ear and neck protection to the wearer, which are scalloped toward the front. When not in use, the panels roll up and are secured in place at the front with two pebbled magnetic metal buttons which emanate from the right flap and meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes set into the left flap. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered tri-colour cockade, in turn topped by a silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The peak insignia measures 60 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding visor with a card stock core, fully lined in identical wool. The interior is encompassed by a multi-piece slate-grey rayon liner. Stitched onto the crown is a label bearing an owner’s name of “UNTEROFFIZIER NIEDERMEIER, NACHRICHTEN ABTEILUNG 33”, situated above a black ink maker’s mark of “SCHMID & MENNER” for the prolific Konstanz-based headgear manufacturer, with a size mark of “58”. The cap measures approximately 23 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 12 cm (h). Minor soiling is visible throughout the interior liner, but the cap demonstrates no other notable damage or wear and remains in an extremely fine condition.