Germany, HJ. A Flakhelfer’s Field Cap

(HJ Einheitsfeldmütze für Flakhelfer). A very well-preserved HJ field cap for a Flakhelfer (Flak Assistant), constructed of dark grey wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped toward the front, which provide the wearer with optional ear and neck protection. When not in use, the panels roll up and secure in place at the front with a single pebbled zink button which emanates from the right panela and meets a reinforced buttonhole set into the left panel. The crown is flanked on each side by a ventilation hole which is reinforced with a zink grommet. Stitched onto the peak is an HJ insignia executed in multi-coloured machine embroidery and measuring 16 mm (w) x 30 mm (h). The exterior features are completed by a protruding visor with a card stock core fully lined in identical wool. A brown leather sweatband extends across the forehead, while the interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece rayon liner. Stamped onto the crown is a black ink Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.) of “0/0629/0003”, a size of “56”, and a manufacture date of “43”. Also stitched onto the crown is a partially-intact Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) label bearing an illegible code. The cap measures approximately 19 cm (w) x 24 cm (l) x 12 cm (h). Minor soiling and material fatigue consistent with light wartime usage is evident to the wool and interior liner, respectively, but the cap remains in a near extremely fine condition.