BACKGROUND: The field-grey M43 field cap was originally introduced in the German army on June 11^TH 1943 as a replacement cap for other field caps then in use and was adopted for wear in the Waffen-SS, (Armed-SS), on October 1^ST 1943. The design of the M43 field cap was based on the earlier M42 Feldmütze, (Overseas cap), and the Mountain Troopers Bergmütze, (Mountain Cap), with minor variations. On its introduction a black version was also introduced for wear by Panzer personnel. Officer’s M43 field caps were distinguished from EM/NCO’s caps by the inclusion of silver/aluminum crown piping for the ranks of SS-Untersturmführer up to and including Reichsführer-SS, inclusively while EM/NCO’s caps were un-piped. Generally the early versions of the M43 cap came with a two button front retainer while the later versions reduced it to a single button. The insignia utilized on the M43 field cap usually consisted of the SS style eagle, (circa 1936), and the SS style "Totenkopf", (Death’s Head), (circa 1934). The cap insignia could be applied to the front center of the cap in one or two pieces, or separately with the Totenkopf applied to the front center and the eagle applied to the left side panel although it appears that both pieces of insignia applied to the front center was the most common application. SS Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result the SS established the SS-Kleiderkasse, (Clothing Account), system in Munich in 1935. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s were allotted a one time clothing allowance from the government with the amount varying depending on the individuals rank. The Officers and certain senior NCO’s could choose to purchase privately tailored garments and headgear of higher quality although the price may have been restrictive. Of Note: With the fall of Germany’s Italian allies as a result of Mussolini’s deposition and imprisoned on July 25^TH 1943 and the subsequent Italian unconditional surrender to the allied forces on September 8^TH 1943 the Germans appropriated large stockpiles of Italian clothing and equipment. As a result a large percentage of Waffen-SS M43 field caps, primarily Officer’s versions, were manufactured in field-grey Italian material. Also Of Note: In a daring raid on September 13^TH 1943 Mussolini was rescued by the Germans and under Hitler’s forceful encouragement began formation of the puppet fascist RSI, Repubblica Sociale Italiana, (Italian Social Republic), on September 17^TH 1943, in a failed attempt to restore fascism to Italy. The RSI along with the GNR, La Guardia Nazionale Repubblicana, (Republican National Guard), which was formed on November 20^TH 1943, continued to fight in Italy under German command.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $2,856.00