Germany, Heer. A Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, Late-War Example

(Heer Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Mannschaften der Gebirgstruppe). A late-war Heer Gebirgsjäger EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of coarse 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 roll up and are secured in place at the front with two pebbled magnetic metal buttons which emanate from the right panel and meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left. Stitched onto the peak is an insignia consisting of a field-grey rayon backer bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, situated above a tri-colour cockade. Measuring 50 mm (w) x 45 mm (h), the insignia is configured to be applied in a classic T-shape, but has been fixed in position in its factory-produced trapezoidal shape by the owner, likely owing to the expediency of wartime conditions. Stitched onto the left side of the panels is an edelweiss, constructed of silvered and gilded bronze, measuring 40 mm (w) x 55 mm (l). A protruding visor completes the exterior features, and consists of a rigid card stock core fully lined in identical cloth. A multi-piece brown liner encompasses the interior, with the crown bearing a stamped size mark of “56” topped by an illegible Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.). The cap measures approximately 20 cm (w) x 25 cm (l) x 13.5 cm (h). Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include moderate material fatigue and soiling throughout the exterior, deterioration of the peak insignia, loss of finish to the edelweiss, softening of the visor core consistent with moisture exposure, and deterioration of the interior liner. This late-war and battle-worn example remains in a very fine condition.