Officers Wool M43 Cap

[Mike Davis]

As promised, attached is an image of an apparently never applied trapazoidal insignia (of the same type sewn to the hats in question) from an advanced collection.

When I heard about it, I'd hoped that this would have been an example that had been removed or even better, still attached to a piece of cap's cloth. But, alas, that is not the case. So, its existence alone proves little.

Owner states that this piece was part of a lot including several other late war insignias embroidered on felt.

[Glenn McInnes]

Here is what looks to be another of this type (or at least the insignia) that was listed in one of The Collectors Guild catalogues back in 1998. The description states that it came with capture papers.



Glenn

[Glenn McInnes]

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[djpool]

Here is what looks to be another of this type (or at least the insignia) that was listed in one of The Collectors Guild catalogues back in 1998. The description states that it came with capture papers.



Glenn

Except for the color of the sweatband this hat is almost identical to the one I posted. Too bad there wasn't a picture of the G.I. holding the hat. Capture papers used to be concrete evidence of authenticity. But I've heard they fake those too.But the Collectors Guild has a pretty good reputation. WR Jim

[90th Light]

Very interesting guys. I personally find variations well worth the time to research them. This officers M43 being a typical example.

I have been lead to believe that there is also a naval version of this woven trap ? I would question however if it has been embroided into "felt" or "boiled wool" There is a difference.

Following with interest, Chris

[B. N. Singer]

As promised, attached is an image of an apparently never applied trapazoidal insignia (of the same type sewn to the hats in question) from an advanced collection.

When I heard about it, I'd hoped that this would have been an example that had been removed or even better, still attached to a piece of cap's cloth. But, alas, that is not the case. So, its existence alone proves little.

Owner states that this piece was part of a lot including several other late war insignias embroidered on felt.

Greetings Mr. D.,

Thank you for posting the embroidered example of dark green trapezoid for us to view.

I would submit however, that the example you offer is not the same as those found on these types of officer's M43 hats. IMO, head, body, wings and wreath are quite different. I would guess, if both were in hand, there would be even a more pronounced difference.

I feel the insignia you posted is indeed an original.

B. N. Singer

[Mike Davis]

90th Light, Good point about 'felt' vs. 'boiled wool'. I confess that I don't know the difference!

Herr Singer, Right again about the differences in embroidery, size, etc. I should have written 'similar'.

The same collector has yet another embroidered version that is cut off on a piece of cap and I'm hoping to get a shot of that one as well.

The discussion continues....

[djpool]

here are comparisons of two embroidered eagles shown in various Angolia books-ones dated 1974 the other 1986. I'm sure they are the same eagle. Stylistically they are similar to the one that started the thread. Not exact.Unfortunately the illustrations in the book lack details. WR Jim

[djpool]

I've been researching old sales catalogues to see if if anything pops up. I just went through a bunch on Manions catalogues from 1990-1994. There were no M43 hats or Embroidered Trap eagles illustrated during that timeframe. There were two cap eagles illustrated for auction 08-27-92 that are similar to the one that started this thread.

[djpool]

So far this is the only Trap I've found thats identical to the one on my hat.It came from Jessens relics. I never dealt with this guy so I don't know if he was reliable or not. On the write up, the trap was used.

[Glenn McInnes]

Ah yes the lists from Anthony,I remember them well. Only trouble I had was by the time I got the list here in Canada everything was sold Picked up some great items from him though..


Glenn

[djpool]

Ah yes the lists from Anthony,I remember them well. Only trouble I had was by the time I got the list here in Canada everything was sold Picked up some great items from him though..


Glenn

I never dealt with him personally.I got the catalogues from a friend for reference. But from what I could see his stuff was pretty good. You've given your stamp of approval which speaks highly of him.WR jim

[billbert]

Its real..its real..its real..its real..Billbert

[Mike Davis]

A colleague has another sample of this cap and he has loaned it to me for posting on the forum. In this shot, his cap is on the right. Construction is quite similar to the example I have - apparently same fabric, piping, insignia and method of its application. The materials used for lining and loops underneath turn down are different than my example.

[Mike Davis]

Insignia