Germany, HJ. A Flak Assistant’s M43 Field Cap

 (Luftwaffenhelfer der HJ Einheitsfeldmütze M43 für Flakhelfer). An extremely well-preserved HJ Flakhelfer (Flak Assistant) M43 field cap, constructed of blue-grey wool. The cap is 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 a single pebbled magnetic metal button which emanates from the right flap and meets a reinforced buttonhole set into the left.  Ventilation holes flank the crown and are reinforced with metal grommets. Stitched onto the peak is an HJ insignia executed in multi-coloured machine embroidery, measuring 15 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). A protruding visor completes the exterior features, and consists of a rigid card stock core fully lined in identical wool cloth. A multi-piece blue-grey rayon liner encompasses the interior, while a leather sweatband extends across the forehead. Stamped onto the crown is a Reichsbetriebsnummer (RBNr.) of “0/0629/0003” for an unidentified but widely-documented manufacturer of HJ Flak Assistant caps based in the Koblenz area, along with a manufacture date of “43” and a size mark of “56”. The crown also retains a fully-intact Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) label, correctly issued for HJ and DJ headgear, bearing a maker code of “158”. The cap measures approximately 20 cm (w) x 26 cm (l) x 12 cm (h). Minor soiling and material fatigue is visible throughout the base material, but this untouched wartime cap remains in a near extremely fine condition.