Officers Wool M43 Cap

[djpool]

Hi Jim,

I believe the use of white wool piping was deliberate on SS officers M43 caps. The white wool I believe was for lower ranking SS officers but I am sure all officers would have used both types.

Glenn

Hi Glenn,

SS certainly isn't my collecting interest, but I've never seen anything that prescribes anything but aluminum cord for SS officers field caps. I thought the white piping was done out of necessity due to a shortage of aluminum cord. I'd be interested to hear what others say. WR Jim

[billbert]

No there is definitely ss himmler orders for lower grade officers to utilize white while the general grade officers were to go with silver..examples in both m43 and overseas are out there...Billbert

[Mike Davis]

Bill,

I am not convinced with this piece.

Now tell me, why would they, on manufacture, "lightly stitch" a head band into a hat like this? And unless removed immediately on being bought (issued), would not there be evidence of where the band had been and worn while it was in place (being less soiled) before it was removed and then continued to be used (in Mike D. example)?

And what about the evidence of wear on the officer's cord on the example originally posted, it, to me, seems to have evidence of rather rough "handling" for an example that appears to be mint? Perhaps from storage??

B. N. Singer

Greetings Mr Singer, To follow-up on the topic of this type cap, I corresponded with a person of our mutual acquaintance over the weekend to solicit his views. His opinion is that the caps are of wartime production but perhaps foreign (French?) made. He has an example of this type insignia cut from a piece of a cap (have asked for an image to post, we'll see...). I trust this collector's judgement implicitly and am posting the comments for the benefit of those following the thread. So, the debate continues!

[djpool]

Greetings Mr Singer, To follow-up on the topic of this type cap, I corresponded with a person of our mutual acquaintance over the weekend to solicit his views. His opinion is that the caps are of wartime production but perhaps foreign (French?) made. He has an example of this type insignia cut from a piece of a cap (have asked for an image to post, we'll see...). I trust this collector's judgement implicitly and am posting the comments for the benefit of those following the thread. So, the debate continues!

Hi Mike,

Hopefully we can continue to followup on this topic until we can determine if the hats good or bad. I hate these grey areas! Might be a tall order unless we can find a photo of a similar hat in wear. Of course I doubt we'll ever get a clear enough shot of the cording to put the matter to rest. I hope your friend comes through with the cut insignia. At least it would be a step in the right direction.WR Jim

[B. N. Singer]

[QUOTE=Mike D.]Greetings Mr Singer, To follow-up on the topic of this type cap, I corresponded with a person of our mutual acquaintance over the weekend to solicit his views. His opinion is that the caps are of wartime production but perhaps foreign (French?) made....

Yes Mike D., I know of whom you speak, (certainly an opinion to be valued) and I was a taken back by his response.

I think the debate will continue with this one.

B. N. Singer

[B. N. Singer]

Greetings Mr Singer, To follow-up on the topic of this type cap, I corresponded with a person of our mutual acquaintance over the weekend to solicit his views. His opinion is that the caps are of wartime production but perhaps foreign (French?) made. He has an example of this type insignia cut from a piece of a cap (have asked for an image to post, we'll see...). I trust this collector's judgement implicitly and am posting the comments for the benefit of those following the thread. So, the debate continues!

Mike D., Bill and all other forum members taking interest in this thread,

I am delighted to say that a friend of mine is providing one of these examples for me to have a look at (it's been years since I took the time to examine one). I will, by all means, make a post as to my Opinion after having the chance to spend some time in "reacquainting myself" with it.
I hope I might draw a different conclusion; for although I, like nobody else, enjoys being wrong, it is often the absolute best way to learn. And not learning is much worse than being wrong!

B. N. Singer

[billbert]

I also have someinfo I promised to add to your debate..I spoke to my friend whom indeed picked one of these DIRECTLY from the vet..The vet was an officer(DR) with the medical detachment of the 87th INF division..The vet remembered the hat and pants were picked up along the czech german border..I hope this helps to settle the non believers..Billbert

[90th Light]

Hello , this is a really interesting thread. The analysis which is going here from both sides of the coin is impressive.

I wonder if any other members of the forum reading this might have a picture of that type of woven trap being worn ?

With respect to all, Chris

[Glenn McInnes]

Looking forward to hearing your comments Bryon. Based on the information that has been presented here (and the respect I have for the collectors who own these) I am sure it is fine.


Glenn

[djpool]

Mike D., Bill and all other forum members taking interest in this thread,

I am delighted to say that a friend of mine is providing one of these examples for me to have a look at (it's been years since I took the time to examine one). I will, by all means, make a post as to my Opinion after having the chance to spend some time in "reacquainting myself" with it.
I hope I might draw a different conclusion; for although I, like nobody else, enjoys being wrong, it is often the absolute best way to learn. And not learning is much worse than being wrong!

B. N. Singer

Mr Singer,

Please let us know your thoughts. I agree with you completely. The truth is whats important.WR Jim

[Mike Davis]

Gents, an example is currently for sale at another site. Please PM me for the link, as I could not get it to paste for some reason....

[B. N. Singer]

Gents, an example is currently for sale at another site.

What another one!!!

I don't think I can ever remember seeing another example of a type of officers M43 hat all having a similar style construction.

Reminds me of those DAK OS hats that were found many years ago and are still coming out; of course there is no question about them! And let us not forget the "Dachau" SS Pz M43 hats that everyone thought were fake when they first appeared many moons ago.

B. N. Singer

[B. N. Singer]

Gents, an example is currently for sale at another site. Please PM me for the link, as I could not get it to paste for some reason....

I couldn't do it either Mr. D., too bad.

B. N. Singer

[Mike Davis]

Here you go Mr. D is this the site?

http://www.************************/...howtopic=12917
B. N. Singer

Well, it looks like you couldn't make it work either! I wonder why?

[Glenn McInnes]

Well, it looks like you couldn't make it work either! I wonder why?

Hi Mike,

I think that forum is blocked from this forums data base. I think it gets automatically deleted if you post a link to it.


Glenn