Luftwaffe Single Button Bergmütze M43 EM Field Cap

Product Description: This Luftwaffe Single Button Bergmütze M43 is a great example of a very desirable cap, with lovely character. This style of cap was worn by Luftwaffe mountain units, and features a distinctive short visor and single button flap closure that is typical for this headgear type. The exterior of this issue type cap is constructed from a typical wartime type blue-gray Luftwaffe wool. The cap shows honest soldier use and wear, with nap wear to the wool that exposes the weave of the fabric, some light, typical inset dust and soiling, and some minor staining to the top of the cap. The Luftwaffe flying eagle and swastika cockade and national colors cockade are factory hand stitched to the cap. The turn-down flap is secured with a typical pebbled blue button. Inside, this Luftwaffe Single Button Bergmütze M43 is well marked, with the size “56,” the date “1943” and an RB number factory code that is tough to make out. The lining shows typical, honest wear and soiling, nicely matching the exterior. This rare cap has a great look, that would be perfect for a combat display. The condition is excellent.

Historical Description: Prior to WWII, all branches of the German military issued their soldiers a field cap in the traditional “side cap” style (there were other types of field caps for certain specialized units). This type of field cap, called “little boat” (Schiffchen) by the troops, was found to be inadequate in the harsh extreme cold weather conditions on the Eastern Front in the brutal winter of 1941-42. As a result, in 1942, some units started issuing a type of field cap that had flaps and a button closure that could be folded down and fastened under the wearer’s chin, to provide protection to the ears. This type of cap, known as the M42, saw limited issue and was replaced a year later with a new model field cap, the Einheitsfeldmütze, that was intended to be issued to all branches. This final model of Wehrmacht field cap, which collectors have termed the M43, was based on the cap that had originally been issued to Wehrmacht mountain troops and featured the fold down ear flaps, as well as a visor. These caps were made out of wool and were intended for year-round wear in all regions where tropical uniforms were not issued. The caps were apparently very popular, as they very quickly replaced the earlier models on the heads of the troops in the field. By 1944 this was the most commonly seen field cap in combat units. These caps remained popular after the war, and many had their insignia removed and were worn out and discarded.

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