Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS Panzer EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap

(Waffen-SS Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Mannschaften der Panzertruppe). An extremely well-preserved Waffen-SS Panzer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of black wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels which are scalloped toward 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 and black painted magnetic metal buttons which emanate from the right panel and meet reinforced buttonholes set into the left panel. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a black rayon trapezoid, bearing an SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, executed in BeVo-style silver-grey machine embroidery, situated above a Totenkopf of identical construction. The peak insignia measures 65 mm (w) x 48 mm (h). Completing the exterior features is a protruding visor with a card stock core fully lined in identical black wool. A multi-piece black cotton/rayon blended liner encompasses the interior, and bears a white ink size mark of “56” on the crown. Otherwise unmarked, the cap measures approximately 21 cm (w) x 26 cm (l) x 13 cm (h). Some bending and cracking is palpable to the left side of the visor core, but the cap otherwise demonstrates no notable damage or wear and is a desirable example in an extremely fine condition.