UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories German Military Uniform Forum m-43 hat,,,opinions wanted

would like to hear pros or cons about this item,,,thanks in advance to all who respond,,,Robert

interior

Unfortunately, M43's are among the most commonly reproduced items in the uniform realm. Thus, it does not surprise my that no one was prepared to give their opinion. I waited to see if anyone else would venture a thought, but to no avail.

With these caps, I generally don't get a good impression, unless I get to examine it carefully. This is as much about the quality of the cloth and stitching, as everything else.

From what I can see, it looks like this has been manufactured from the poor quality wool common in German manufacture from mid to late war. In the second photo, under the flap, it appears the nap (soft fluffy stuff on the surface of the material) still appears to be present in the protected areas, and completely worn off on exposed surfaces. This is a good sign.

What little I can see of the stitching is also heartening. Double stitched, with the two keeping parallel (which a machine can do easily, but people using normal sewing machines find hard to achieve).

If the flap buttons are pressed paper, that is also okay, as late war caps do use these, when even metal button supplies started to dry up.

These buttons were more common on support organisation caps (such as Org Todt, Volksturm, etc) but but did see army use.

One of the things I don't like is the badge attachment, which is handsewn. These were issued with the badge machine sewn on. Are there any indications of such original sewing?

This means either the original was removed (after the war) and had to be re-applied or replaced, or the cap originally had no or another badge, and had a WH badge added (some post war organisations used these caps, as they were in plentiful supply, and the German economy was pretty tight for a while after surrender).

The red marking inside is not familiar to me. Is it a movie company or museum mark? What does it say? Movie companies actually used lots of genuine stuff in the early days, before the items became valuable.

At least the RBN says Nr. (the German way) and not No. (the English way).

Is the size correct?

How rigid is the peak? What does it appear to be stiffened with?

Interior material appears to be suitable, but how good quality is it?

Lots of questions and not many answers, I am afraid.

That said, this is a lot better than many I have seen, and certainly would not get dismissed out of hand.

David!