Germany, Heer. An Officer’s M43 Field Cap

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Offiziere). An extremely well-preserved Heer Officer’s M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped toward the front, which provide 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 zink buttons which emanate from the right flap and meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. The outer edge of the crown is fully trimmed with a length of silver aluminum wire piping. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon trapezoid bearing a machine-embroidered tri-colour cockade, topped by a silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The insignia measures 55 mm (w) x 50 mm (h) overall. Completing the exterior features is a protruding visor consisting of a reinforced card stock core lined in identical wool cloth. The interior is fully encompassed by a padded beige rayon liner, featuring a cross-stitched quilt pattern. A size mark of “57” remains visible on the crown, while the cap is otherwise unmarked. It measures approximately 20 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 14 cm (h) as configured for wear. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some oxidation of the buttons, a minor patch of mothing to the underside of the visor, and soiling of the lower edge of the interior liner. Demonstrating the hallmarks of a quality example privately purchased by the owner, this cap remains in a near extremely fine condition.