Officers Wool M43 Cap

[Mike Davis]

Hi Bryon,

That does seem to be unusual.. I wonder how many of these things are around??

Glenn

I know of three or four in collections and have seen photos of at least that many more. An example was for sale at The MAX.

[Stormfighter]

Jim, as one of the people who acquired one of these Army M-43 officer's caps directly from a vet, I think I can probably put this debate to rest. Approximately ten years ago, I acquired a foot locker that belonged to a doctor (a Major I believe) of the 44th Infantry Division. The foot locker contained his uniforms, paperwork, a camo German helmet, a Panzer NCO overcoat (I still have this) and a mint example of the exact M-43 cap that you have posted. From what I recall, at the end of the war, the vet wound up in Czechoslovakia, where I believe he acquired this cap from a factory. I unfortunately sold the cap shortly after I acquired it. Over the past ten years, I have seen a couple more examples of these caps at shows, but they weren't fast movers because of a lot of skepticism about their originality. Anyway, that's my two cents. Your cap is a good one and if anyone else sees one at a show, snap it up, because it's an unusual, original variation.

Barry

[billbert]

Thanks Stormfighter for throwing your valuable 2 cents into this CONVERSATION..A real bonfide direct VET pickup believe what you want BUT they be REAL !!Billbert

[B. N. Singer]

...as one of the people who acquired one of these Army M-43 officer's caps directly from a vet, I think I can probably put this debate to rest. Barry

Sorry that doesn't do it for this skeptic!

I would still like one though (as long as it were cheap).

B. N. Singer

[Stormfighter]

Sorry that doesn't do it for this skeptic!

I would still like one though (as long as it were cheap).

B. N. Singer

A hat that came directly from a vet isn't good enough evidence? I guess I'll have to find the factory worker who assembled it . . .
I also forgot to mention that I had the capture certificate for the cap.

[B. N. Singer]

A hat that came directly from a vet isn't good enough evidence? I guess I'll have to find the factory worker who assembled it . . .
I also forgot to mention that I had the capture certificate for the cap.

OK fellows, "riddle me this Batman," why is it, that when these hats first made their appearance in the collecting community (to my experience) they were ALL unissued Mint and now when you see examples most have had wear (in some cases extreme)?

B. N. ("The Joker") Singer

[djpool]

A hat that came directly from a vet isn't good enough evidence? I guess I'll have to find the factory worker who assembled it . . .
I also forgot to mention that I had the capture certificate for the cap.

Thanks for the information. I certainly can't find anything in the materials or construction that tells me its a fake. I've also had several other experienced collectors look at it and they liked it. I got my cap from Bill Shea and I know the last cap posted came from the Relic Hunter both experienced dealers. They're not infallible but I feel they don't knowingly sell items that are fake.

But its been an interesting discussion and I hope we can continue it in a friendly manner. I can understand Mr Singers position, but at this point we can agree to disagree. A healthy skepticism is good for the hobby. In the end the hobby isn't a science and each individual will have to make his own decision as to the originality of this style hat, based on the information provided.

WR Jim

[Mike Davis]

OK fellows, "riddle me this Batman," why is it, that when these hats first made their appearance in the collecting community (to my experience) they were ALL unissued Mint and now when you see examples most have had wear (in some cases extreme)?

B. N. ("The Joker") Singer

OK 'Joker', I'm not sure exactly what you mean about all examples being mint when they first came on the market. The cap I have shows quite a bit of wear - and it was in that condition when I bought it years ago. A local collector has another that is also worn to include mothing. I can assure you that neither he nor I outfit ourselves in items from our collections (although I could probably benefit from wearing a cap more than most). Are you saying that all of the dispersed mint caps have been worn by various individuals to 'break them in'? I think that is a bit of a stretch don't you? Maybe I don't get your point!

[B. N. Singer]

....A healthy skepticism is good for the hobby. In the end the hobby isn't a science and each individual will have to make his own decision... WR Jim

A truer word has seldom been spoken

B. N. Singer

[B. N. Singer]

OK 'Joker', ...Are you saying that all of the dispersed mint caps have been worn by various individuals to 'break them in'? I think that is a bit of a stretch don't you? Maybe I don't get your point!

In the beginning of my experience with these, many (perhaps not ALL) were pristine condition. Yes, I think there has been some of that going on with these hats.

B. N. Singer

[djpool]

I was over at Bob Hritz's today and he had this eagle in one of his riker mounts. Its not exactly like the one on my hat but definately the same manufacturer. The biggest difference is the bullseye, the color is salmon. This one was used and you can see the stitch line if you hold it up to the light. Also this ones full sized. Apparently mine was cut down before it was sewn on. Oh Bob also said it was a direct vet pickup. WR Jim

Front

[djpool]

back

[djpool]

stitch line

[billbert]

And some still refuse to believe...Billbert

[djpool]

And some still refuse to believe...Billbert

As I stumble across additional info I'll add it to the thread. Anyone interested in purchasing a similar hat, will have enough info to form their own opinion.

The insignia from Bob is a one looker.My pictures don't do it justice.The white on the front is really an off white from age. Nice musty smell we collectors all look for.

WR and Happy New Year. Jim