Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap

(Waffen-SS Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Männer der Gebirgstruppe). A very well-preserved Waffen-SS Gebirgsjäger 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, providing optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels roll up and secure in place at the front with a single black bakelite button which emanates from the right flap and meets a reinforced buttonhole on the left flap. Pinned onto the peak is an aluminum insignia consisting of a first patter Danziger-style Totenkopf measuring 34 mm (w) x 31 mm (h). The left side of the panels features dual insignia, both affixed in place with factory-original zig-zag stitching. These include a black rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered, silver-grey, SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 68 mm (w) x 30 mm (h). The eagle is flanked by an SS-style edelweiss constructed of a black wool backer with white and golden-yellow machine-embroidery, measuring 68 mm (w) x 47 mm (h) overall. The exterior features are completed with a protruding card stock-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. A multi-piece slate-grey herringbone twill (HBT) liner encompasses the interior. Stamped onto the crown in black ink is a size mark of “57”, topped by a code of “3042/44”. Otherwise unmarked, the cap measures approximately 21 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 13 cm (h). Demonstrating only minor material fatigue, it remains in an extremely fine condition.