Germany, Luftwaffe. An EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap

(Luftwaffe Einheitsfeldmütze M43). A very well preserved Luftwaffe EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of dark 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 are rolled up and secured in place at the front with two pebbled aluminum buttons emanating from the right flap and meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a dark grey wool backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The eagle insignia measures 80 mm (w) x 42 mm (h0. Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, lined in identical wool. The interior is fully encompassed by a grey cotton/rayon-blended liner stitched into a checkered pattern. It is plain with the exception of a black ink size mark of “56” faintly visible on the crown. Otherwise unmarked, the cap measures approximately 200 mm (w) x 265 mm (l) x 130 mm (h). Minor, age-appropriate issues are evident, and include exterior soiling and a small hole to the back right side of the panels, as well as soiling throughout the interior. This field-worn cap is in an overall near extremely fine condition.