Germany, Heer. An Afrikakorps Panzer EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, by Carl Halfar

(Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Afrikakorps Panzertruppe). A well-preserved and field-used Afrikakorps (DAK) Panzer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of a ribbed beige-tan cotton twill. It is fully surrounded by decorative fold-down side panels with frontal scalloping, and flanked on each side by dual ventilation holes reinforced with zink eyelets. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a light brown cotton base overlaid by a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 70 mm (w) x 30 mm (h) overall. Directly underneath the eagle is an additional insignia in the form of a light brown cotton rhombus, overlaid by a machine-embroidered tri-colour cockade, measuring 34 mm (w) x 34 mm (h) overall. Both the eagle and cockade retain original zig-zag pattern stitching, indicating no subsequent modification. The cockade is surrounded by an original rose-pink woven soutache, utilized by all DAK armoured personnel. Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical cotton twill. A red cotton-rayon blended liner encompasses the interior, with the crown bearing the partially-legible remains of a maker’s mark of the firm of Carl Halfar, Berlin, above a size mark of “58”. The cap measures approximately 188 mm (w) x 265 mm (l) x 120 mm (h). Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include bleaching indicative of extensive sun exposure, deterioration of the soutache, and soiling of the interior liner. These features notably complement the cap’s battle-worn character, and it is in an overall very fine condition.