Heer Officer M43 Cap with Jager Emblem

Product Description:  A nice looking Heer Officer M43 Cap in excellent condition. The cap is constructed from a feldgrau wool which is in excellent condition. The color of the caps wool under the folds of the cap is slightly darker than the exposed areas. A silver braided piping runs the perimeter of the caps crown. The silver braid is in very good condition with a few areas showing slight snags. The front f the cap exhibits a machine sewn “T” Trapezoid Heer insignia. The machine stitching around the perimeter of the insignia runs past the insignias corners. On the caps side is a zinc oak leaf cluster which is attache to the cap by means of the insignias three prongs. The insignia appears period original to the cap. Two grey glass buttons were sewn to the front of the caps fold to secure the two pull down flaps in place. Under the side folds of the cap are two rayon pull down straps made of the same rayon as the caps interior lining. The interior of the cap is lined with a medium gray rayon lining which shows signs of wear and minor sweat staining. A large “58 ” is stamped in the center of the caps interior. The stamp has faded slightly over time, but is still easily legible. This is a very attractive Heer Officer M43 Cap with uncommon Jager device which will make a great display.

Historical Description: Model 1943 Field Caps: 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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