Germany, SS. A Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s M43 Field Cap, Italian-Made, by Berven

(Waffen-SS Einheitsfeldmütze M43). A well-preserved Waffen-SS EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of field-grey wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at 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 non-magnetic metal buttons which emanate from the right panel and meet an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left panel. Stitched onto the peak is a Dachau-style, one-piece insignia constructed of field-grey wool base, and bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey Totenkopf, topped by an SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The peak insignia measures 65 mm (w) x 40 mm (h) overall, and features factory-original zig-zag stitching. Completing the exterior features is a protruding visor with a card stock core fully lined in identical field-grey wool. The interior is encompassed by a multi-piece, slate-grey, cotton/rayon-blended herringbone twill (HBT) liner. Stamped onto the crown is a maker’s mark of “BERVEN, PADOVA”, situated above a size mark of “57”. The cap measures approximately 21 cm (w) x 27 cm (l) x 13 cm (h). Some bending is palpable to the visor core, and the interior liner demonstrates moderate soiling throughout. An unusual example, the cap remains in a better than very fine condition.