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

(Waffen-SS Einheitsfeldmütze M43). An early Waffen-SS Panzer EM/NCO’s M43 field cap, constructed of black wool. It 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 roll up and secured in place at the front with two pebbled magnetic metal buttons emanating from the right flap and meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. As an early-production example, the side walls also feature an interior reinforcement to securely maintain its structural integrity. The peak demonstrates an outline and material fatigue consistent with the placement of a SS Totenkopf insignia which has since been lost to time. An additional outline and material fatigue on the left side of the panels is consistent with the placement of a SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, similarly removed from the cap. Completing the exterior features is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, lined in identical wool. The interior is surrounded by a brown leatherette sweatband measuring 32 mm in width. It is also fully encompassed by a multi-piece black cotton-blended liner, which is plain with the exception of a white size mark of “58” on the crown. It measures approximately 195 mm (w) x 270 mm (l) x 115 mm (h). In addition to the missing insignia, the cap demonstrates other issues consistent with age and field use, including tearing and moth damage to the front left side of the panels, also resulting in a large hole to the back of the panels, the back right side of the crown, and the edge of the visor. There is some additional bending of the side wall reinforcement, as well as desiccation of the sweatband. The cap is in an overall fair condition.