Tropical EM's m40

[90th Light]

Should we be calling this model a tropical M40 ? Is it not in fact a tropical M42 ?

I mean when did the SS adopt their tropical billed field cap 1941 or 42 ? They were the last of all the services were they not ?

Having said this, I can not help but comment that Mark's cap has many features in common with a later regular tropical M40 rather than an SS tropical M42.

It is in fact, the perfect cross-breed between the two, Chris

[SgtB]

Congratulations on a great cap, Mark! There can't be more than a couple of these 'single-ply' Heer tropenmutzen in existence.

My question is with the SS cap that Chris shows in post #11. I don't like the looks of those insignia at all, particularly the eagle. Am I wrong?
What publication is it from?

[MilitaryCollect]

Tropical EM's m40

Hi Brian,

The photo in post 11, reposted below, originates from: "Tropical Uniforms of the Grman Army, 1940-1945, by Scipion & Bastien at page 89 (has number of 9-782908-182507 - ISBN?).

Mark, may also be that the cap wasn't intended for Afrika at all - but rather for Germany's move for the oilfields in South Russia in 42'. Therefore, it would have certainly been a 42' construction. The cap's rarity could be attributed to use in the South Russia where our vets didn't have access to the stuff - to liberate!

Perhaps the Allgemeine Heeresmitteilungen "A.H.M." (General army orders) may provide some fruitful info. For example, the order numbererd 597 (dated July 10, 1942) directed that all soutaches be removed from all field service and mountain caps. (Source: Bender & Law, Uniforms, Organization and History of the Afrikakorps, p. 193 (ISBN: 0-912138-09-2)). Perhaps this or a companion order authorized the removal of the false turndown on the Heer einheitsfeldmutze. The date may be approximately correct.

Very, very nice cap - Perused the internet for another exmple but no luck.

Christopher

[NZMark]

Hi Chris & Chris,
Lack of any other nomenclature leads me to use the m40 title. In all other circumstances of 'standard' tropical caps I tend to use m40 followed by the date of manufacture (m40/41, m40/43 - for example)
Will we have to start a whole new generic for these caps ?
I'm happy to call it the 'm40/42 hybrid.'
I'd like to know where this one was issued. It is not as clean as the photos suggest. The visor is quite greasy, with the underside re-enforcing stitch worn away where the finger grips it in removal. Herr Oram, I would assume?
I am still trying to back-track it's history from it's purchase from an Australian collector. I will up-date any information I dig up.
Many Thanks for the postings, Gents
Mark.

[Gerard/Relic Hunter]

Just wanted to post this cap here, as it is another no-scallop cap that I just got in. Maker marked and in unissued condition. Enjoy!

Gerard

[NZMark]

Gerard!
I know this exact cap! Photos of it were sent to me some time back from the US by a collector who was offered it, and judging by the sewing etc, it's the same maker as mine - and no date One of only three I know of worldwide...
Here's another photo of it in wear...(I have three so far - and am always looking for more...hint, hint!)
Judging by the sewing lines and details, this is the same maker as mine - (although I doubt more than one firm actually manufactured these.)
Mark

[NZMark]

And another...(My avatar)

[NZMark]

Third, and last for the moment.
I have another on file of a clear image of one being worn with a 1st pattern tunic, but I do not have the rights to show it here as it belongs to a US collector/author.

[BenVK]

I think Gerard just made a sale!

To see one rarely seen before style of cap is good enough but now to see another plus all the period photos is brilliant.

[grndevil44]

found this photo that might be of interest to this thread

PM if you would like any details

thanks

John

[NZMark]

Hi John,
I've PM'd you. The photo would appear to be of a standard m40, artificially bleached to the point of being white, as is the tunic (wonderful!)
I actually bought another photo of one off ebay, but it never arrived.
BenVK posted a neat image of one in use in Italy in a Panther (WOW).
Mark

[besslein]

Mark i have realy no idea abaut wh dak item becose i collect only waffen ss item
but abaut tropical ss caps a know a bit,and imo yours is not one from them
i have never seen a red lining in ss tropical cap
here a Waffen SS salty, combat and pow camp vet one

[besslein]

2

[NZMark]

Very Cool Cap! Thanks for showing it.
The construction of it is actually very different - and I'm not just talking about sweatbands. Gerards example with the 'Ernst Kern' stamp is the match of mine, a pity there is no date
Mark

[Tim O'Keefe]

Hi Mark

Ben's great photo is what you have been looking for imho. Your cap appears to be from mid- late '43 based on the PzKw V (not even sure this is an early model Panther ?) so could even be later...not the DAK though.
There would be some photos of these in use in NA and in the piles of captured equipment at the surrender if so ? Have You seen any more photos of these caps in field use, not portraits ? Also would just add these caps are really not like the ss caps in construction.

always searching for answers
Tim