A Mint Clasp to the Iron Cross First Class 1939 by Deumer

Tropeneinheitsfeldmütze; Exterior in olive green cotton, machine-embroidered tropical eagle in gray on a brown base stitched in place on the crown, machine-embroidered national tri-colour cockade on a brown base sewn on the front, stiffened visor, two silvered zinc ventilation eyelets on either side, interior lined in red cotton, sweatband consists of a matching olive green cotton placed upon a brownish-green moisture-resistant base, stamped in black ink with the serial number "0/0496/0340", dated "1943" and size marked "54", 170 mm x 250 mm x 110 mm, stiffened visor exhibits a crack just to the right of centre with a nip in the fabric at the edge of the visor, soiled. As worn.

Footnote: Tropical versions of the M1943 were produced in both tan and olive green cloth, with light blue eagle on the same colored cloth. In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms headgear and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for the DAK (Deutsches Afrika Korps = German Africa Corps) personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. The M41 tropical field cap was introduced in early 1941 and the design of the cap was loosely based on the Mountain Troopers "Bergmütze" with minor variations. Officer ranks caps were distinguished from EM/NCO’s with silver piping for the ranks of Leutnant to Oberst and gilt piping for the ranks of Generalmajor to Generalfeldmarschall while EM/NCO’s ranks caps were not piped. The different branches of service within the army were allocated a particular identifying "waffenfarbe" (Branch of Service Colour). Originally the M41 tropical field caps had a branch of service soutache applied to the front consisting of an inverted "V" encompassing the national tri-color cockade but regulations of July 10, 1942 abolished the use of the soutache and instructed it to be removed from the caps, although the directive was not strictly adhered to.

This is a fine example of a third reich period Ustasha (“Ustaše”) field cap. A German M43 style cap constructed of soft field gray wool. It features standard fold-down panels that are secured shut towards the front via a pebbled silvered metal (magnetic) cap. Towards the front are two Ustasha insignia constructed of aluminum. Towards the left side of the cap is a two-piece Edelweiß flower that is secured to the cap via two fully intact prongs. The cap features a cardboard-stiffened visor, along with a grey rayon blended interior liner that is stamped “RBNr 0/0535/0046” and “57” for size. It measures 260 mm x 200 mm, and is lightly worn, in overall near extremely fine condition.

A finely detailed miniature stick pin Iron Cross 1914 with a clasp to the Iron Cross 1939; 44 mm long knurled pin; measuring 15 mm x 9 mm; near extremely fine condition. (C:185)

A War Merit Cross Second Class (“Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse mit Schwertern”); in bronze; on loop for suspension (marked “65” for “Klein & Quenzer AG, Idar Oberstein”) on the reverse; with a mint and unissued period original ribbon; measuring 46.74 mm x 46.83 mm; weighing 15.5 grams; very fine condition.