Austria-Hungary, Empire. A Rare Bergführer Officer’s Field Cap, With Insignia

(Bergführer Feldmütze für Offizier mit Insignien). A rare Austro-Hungarian Bergführer Officer’s field cap, constructed of field-grey wool twill. It is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, gently scalloped at the front, affording optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place with two gilded bronze buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. Stitched onto the peak of the cap is an insignia consisting of a gold bullion wire cockade with a centrepiece consisting of the monogram of Emperor Charles I (Karl). The peak insignia measures 32 mm in total diameter. Stitched onto the left flap is an insignia consisting of a white wool edelweiss, measuring 70 mm (w) x 60 mm (h) overall. Also affixed to the left flap is a Bergführer guide badge, constructed of blackened bronze, and consisting of an ice axe overlaid by an oval rope wreath and edelweiss. It measures 24 mm (w) x 58 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a blackened vulcanfibre composite visor, which is securely set into the structure of the ap. The interior is fully encompassed by a grey wool twill liner, with a black ink size stamp of “56” set onto the crown. It also features a blackened leather sweatband, which demonstrates evidence of possible postwar replacement. The cap measures approximately 175 mm (w) x 240 mm (l) x 140 mm (h). In addition to possible replacement of the sweatband, the cap demonstrates wear consistent with age and field use, including some fatigue of the wool, oxidation of the gilt and wire features, and deterioration of the visor. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.

The cap is accompanied by a period original Bergführer sleeve insignia, circa 1918, constructed of a dark field-grey wool backer. The obverse bears a central blue wool ice axe, set within initials “BF” of identical construction. An original wax paper liner is partially intact on the reverse, and retains a trademark sticker. It measures 58 mm (w) x 90 mm (h). Presenting unissued, this rare insignia is in an overall near mint condition.