Any DAK items

[Mark Gibson]

Very nice caps Greg.
Unfortunately unless there are remnants left around the cockade or just sitting outside the two slits, it is very difficult to determine the branch of a Schlesische Mutzenfabrik. They certainly made a very desirable cap.

Mark

[Greg B]

I thought that might be the case Mark , but was hopefull using an LED penlight torch might show something just inside the hole.

So Mark when they took the soutache out it would of more than likely pulled out completely due to been just stitched inside the hole and no further ?

[Mark Gibson]

I thought that might be the case Mark , but was hopefull using an LED penlight torch might show something just inside the hole.

So Mark when they took the soutache out it would of more than likely pulled out completely due to been just stitched inside the hole and no further ?

Hi Greg,

Not necessarily. Have you ever seen how securely soutaches are actually attached? They are quite firm so it would be just as easy to unstitch them and cut each end. With washing and wear the ends would just eventually be pulled back inside the cap.

You may have some luck with a penlight. Hopefully you'll find something interesting.

Mark

[Greg B]

on my Valet cap the Pz gren soutache remnant is very secured in behind the stiching. It looks like when they had unstitched the soutach they tried in haste to pull it out from the ends and its snapped at one end and left a tuff of soutach.

I guess some guys would of been neat and tidy about it and others a bit rougher.

[Mark Gibson]

Greg,
That would most likely have just been cut and is now frayed after 70 years.
You should find about 1 inch of soutache remaining on both sides of the inside of the cap, still sewn to the lining (not that you should go looking).

Mark

[afrikasandman]

Some great caps Greg! Been a bad year for scoring 1st model caps for me, none to add but an amazing year for tunics! Matt

[Greg B]

Thanks Matt, they not easy to find now days so very happy. Yes you definately have picked up some excellent 1st pattern tunics this year and of coarse some great Pz gren caps that I noticed over in the cap forum.

[afrikasandman]

sometimes you get lucky man Matt

[Greg B]

Very true Matt, one tries to make the luck happen as well....somehow . Now to try and find an out of the woodwork Soutach m40 before Mark G gets them all.

[Paul l k]

Greg, that's a beautiful Frankenstien, I will keep my fingers crossed for you in regards to finding the remains of the original soutache, I am sure if you are careful you will find something,, As with most dak collectors these early tall Frankenstiens are my favourites and have been ever since I was lucky enough handle a friends NZ vet bring back faded artillery example..

Greg you certainly do have a wonderful knack of making your own luck, long may it continue .. Cheers Paul .

[Greg B]

Thanks Paul will certainly let you know how I get on but regardless it still has a lot going for it. Would love to see that Artillery cap posted one day. Approx- 4 years ago I handled 1 of 3 peaked Tropical caps bought back by a Kiwi vet and now in the hands of the family ....one of which was a very well worn early m40 with Pz soutache. I also got to handle another in Nelson. They are out there...so Dal didn't get them all.

[Mark Gibson]

Very true Matt, one tries to make the luck happen as well....somehow . Now to try and find an out of the woodwork Soutach m40 before Mark G gets them all.

All that I've ever really been after is a nice early PzGren or Rifle Regiment. That I can't find.

Mark

[Greg B]

Mark, I dont know how you sleep at night it must be hell. All three are great caps in there own right but that Halfar does it for me.

Greg

[afrikasandman]

Mark,

you and me both man! But I think your doing pretty well regardless! Alas some day the sun will shine on this dog's arse and i'll luck out and find a pz gren/rifle rgt soutached cap, even for a rough asking price $$$$ and then all things in the world will be good. Maybe i'll get that lucky someday but until then I will just have to keep dreaming. Matt

[PAOLORUBENS]

Africa Italiana and DAK small items

hello folks , last African addicitions ... several North Africa related italian items : 3° Bersaglieri and 7° Bersaglieri piths ( english sun helmet ... captured ? ) , Art pith and Inf side caps being there , East Africa 90°Camicie Nere . Generale Buongiovanni pith ( this is a real goal with provenance ) , Generale side cap . the only DAK items are the belt and the small metal box " D.A.K. Malariatabletten " ... gas canister has a nice camo tone but is marked 1944 , mask with matching numbers has an uncommon blue painting