Dak M41

[ErichK]

I recently picked up this M40 and was hoping it could be confirmed as to what it is. Obviously the eagle is replaced, there are no grommets and no lining, never had one and no stamps. It reminds me of the french version of the KM tropical cap. The color is almost white(did the AK actually bleach their hats?) but with a dirty yellow tinge to it. It does not glow under black light for what it's worth. It is well worn. I'm guessing it's not issue but a private purchase or foreign manufactured piece.
If other photos are needed just say the word.

Replaced photos and added new outdoor photos.

[ErichK]

front

[ErichK]

,

[ErichK]

top

[ErichK]

interior

[ErichK]

Interior front

[ErichK]

under side of visor.

[NZMark]

Hi Erich,
The type of cap is an m40 (I still do not know where the m41 nomenclature took hold).
The eagle looks to be a tropical tunic pattern? (70mm wide?)
I think you'd need to supply better photos in natural light to make any real determination on the cap body itself...it certainly is not standard in either construction or materials.
Mark.

[ErichK]

Hi Mark,
Yes, that would be a trop breast eagle on it. All previous photos have been replaced with new photos taken out doors this morning as well as the new ly added shots.

[ErichK]

Outdoor lighting

[ErichK]

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[ErichK]

last one. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[19BARBAROSSA41]

I would said that this cap is fake or field made tropical cap ( the second option seems to be more probably cause if it was fake it would have alle features typical for tropical cap like red lining and air ciruclation rivets ).
But I think that Mark and other more experienced DAK collectors will give you more confident answer.

[Mark Gibson]

I had expressed my doubts on another forum about this cap but also did suggest that it may possibly be a POW made example. Many caps worn into captivity did wear out and it is possible that replacements may have been made (and bleached).
Have you had any offers for the breast eagle yet? It wouldn't surprise me in the least if you have.

Take care

Mark

[NZMark]

Thanks Erich,
Mark G. and Barbarossa have made good points regarding the POW theory. A faker would at least try to mimic the obvious standard features to convince a prospective buyer - but the lack of air-vent grommets is such an ommission (a detail seen in period photos on original caps) that it would be instantly questioned.
It is well made and I like the staining/wear to the twill...
A hard one to pick. No provinance? IF it is a POW item, removing the eagle to sell seperately would be destroying a very rare historical piece. I'd love to handle it to satisfy the curiosity
Regards,
Mark.