Hi gents,
i've alredy demonstrate mi perplexity about this cap on other forum. I've found the very same cap pratically in every US dealer's web site. All are in brand new conditions (no stains, no sign of the time).
I'd like to listen someone that has some unknown story about it.
Hoping in your help, i thank you in advance.
Regards,
Alex

insigna

lining

ryt

ghj

Hi Alex, I see what you're saying. On first examination, it looks good -- all the things you'd like to see in terms of the liner material, stampings, and other features are present. But I have to say the wool doesn't really excite me for so late a garment -- there should be a much higher shoddy content, and the way the eagle is sewn on doesn't thrill me, either. How many of these have you seen exactly like this one?

Hi Chris,
try to enter in these web sites and you'll find one (or two!):
- http://www.relichunter.com/luftemm43.jpg
- http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPages/Otherhdgr/hg58b.htm
- http://www.craiggottlieb.com/data/inspect.asp?Item=1843...ter=German+Militaria
- http://oakleafmilitaria.com/images/054h10-1.jpg
- http://www.militarynut.com/id33.html
- http://www.thirdreichdepot.com/
- http://www.collectorsmilitaria.com/12706luftm43cap.htm

etc...
Do you understand because i'm a bit worried?
Alex

Dear Alex,

I can see your worries after visiting the many caps on sites you posted. However, if you look close enough there are some differences between them. Some are of varied grades of wool (Reprocessed wool) and with different lining materials. Some have hand or machine application and one has a trapezoid.

Also at least one appeared to have some sweatstains inside, while a few others had worn paint on the buttons and some worn spots on the wool nap.

All however had the same date and RBN number.

I was not aware of any large findings of caps recently but was aware of two large caches years ago.

I will also add that two of the sellers are known for their expertise in headgear. Perhaps visiting the different caps and looking at the variaition may ease your worries or perhaps emailing some of those dealers and ask about their caps.Perhaps you may receive information that would help in answering your concern.

M43 Caps are one of the harder to make opinions on and often need to be in your hands.

Good luck to you.

Hi John,
many thanks for your answer.
I noticed the different features of each cap althought everyone owns internally the same stamp (size apart). The general conditions of each one vary as well. Someone is well used, someone is brand new. They manufactured with two kind of insigna: with trapezoid or with the union of an embroided eagle (please notice the strange shape of the beak) and BeVo cokade. It's sewn in zig zag or straight machine method or eventually hand made (like mine one). Even the cloth is not always the same: you can find recicled or new cloth that tailoring these caps...
Really, i don't know what to think about it.
It's a bit strange situation that puzzle me so much i have to admit...
I still wait someone who know more about these caps...
Regards,
Alex

Alessandro,
your concerns are well founded I have even seen these Caps exact markings, wool texture, condition in Dealers shops in Sydney, one dealer had one with Army trapezoid attached instead of the Luftwaffe. After a heated discussion on the caps virtues I was told to leave and not come back. This was about 12 months ago. Since then I have seen these Caps on a number of web sites.They all look in excellent condition.I examined one with what appeared to be sweatstains but no wear anywhere on the cap I would have expected some wear to the visor from being taken on and off.Anyhow just my thoughts.
cheers Robert

Here is an old salty M43, never changed buttons, this is the way it came from the U.S. Vet.
Regards,
Kevin

inside

Hi Kevin,
good post is your. The first used cap i see of this series. A nice confirm!
Thanks a lot,
Alex

Original

Sebastien.

This cap was made in the hundreds of thousands , if not millions..i don't find it unusual to see these caps on any site that actively seeks out original examples of this type of feldmutze for resale..

here is one i have same numbers but size 57 my photos sux!! even though i have a very good camera .vet pick up

close up

lot nicer in person

eagle