Description
Product Description: This unissued, Dachau Produced SS Panzer M43 cap is an absolutely textbook, late war produced piece. These were found at the end of the war at the clothing warehouse at the Dachau concentration camp, which is undoubtedly where this one originated, although issued examples are known as well. This cap, as are all of these, is made of a distinctive soft and lightweight wool with an almost badge cloth feel. There is no damage to the exterior of this cap whatsoever, and it remains virtually pristine and as-produced. The front of this handsome cap is adorned with the typical embroidered “pirate skull” style SS Panzer trapezoid that was used on these. The trapezoid is factory machine stitched to the cap, and the stitching on the crown of the cap from the final stages of construction actually runs right over one corner of the trapezoid, a great authenticator that leaves no doubt this is the original insignia on this cap. Both of the typical black plastic buttons are in place and appear factory stitched. There is the standard white bias tape under the folds where the stitching needed to be reinforced. The loops inside the side flaps for wear with ear protectors are in place and made of same material as the cap’s interior lining. The interior of this cap is lined with a grey-brown cotton twill lining, which is one of the materials known to have been used on these. The lining has no signs of wear or damage. The lining is stamped with the size “56” in black ink. The underside of bill is purposely left uncovered, with the cardboard stiffener exposed, as is typical of these very late produced Dachau caps. The cardboard shows only very slight age toning. These have become harder to find in recent years and are very desirable as one-look original wartime production. This SS Panzer M43 cap is in outstanding condition, bordering on near mint.
Keyword: SS Panzer M43 Cap
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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