*German, WW2, Waffen-SS Panzer Enlisted Man’s M43 Cap, Small*
This rare piece of Third Reich headgear is an M43-style enlisted man’s cap in black, worn by Panzer crews. It’s made of a black wool and rayon blend, lined with cotton twill. The front features a machine-embroidered grey/silver national eagle and “totenkopf” skull insignia patch. The side flaps, which cover the neck when in use, are secured over the visor by two pebbled metal buttons. The size and maker’s mark are faded, with only vague shadows remaining. It’s believed many of these caps were made at the Dachau camp, though this can’t be verified.
The SS (Schutzstaffel – ‘Protection Squadron’), formed in 1925 to protect Adolf Hitler, grew under Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler into a feared organization controlling many aspects of German and occupied European life. With the onset of WW2, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) became the Waffen-SS (“Armed SS”), a military branch with various units, including seven Panzer divisions.
*Condition*
Good lightly used condition. It does have a period repair on the inside LHS and a small section that is frayed on the outside RHS, on the top of the fold down skirt. This is fantastic collectors item. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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