M43 hat opinions

[hcliffe]

Just got this hat in from a friend and wanted to run it past the forum. Attached are pics, but here is a description as well.

1) The T shaped insignia is neatly handstitched on.
2) The bill seems to be of different material than the rest of the hat, slightly different color, and less wear.
3) There are no "loops" or "pulldowns" under the flap.
4) There are vent holes, which you do not normally see on a typical M43 hat.
5) There are no real visible markings, perhaps something very faint.
6) The lining is made from 2 different colored material. The top of the crown on color, the sides another.
7) The wear under the flaps is less pronounced than outside of them.

Thoughts on this hat?

[hcliffe]

front

[hcliffe]

inside

[Jan B]

Harry,
I'm not an expert on these, but to me it almost looks like the bill was added to an M42 cap. An period altered M42...just a thought, but then the shape of an M42 cap is not what this one looks like,right? maybe rather a wartime repair?.
I can't see any real "redflags" form those pictures, that's why I wonder about above possibilities.

Today certain caps need a handinspection to be 100% sure and still then...remember previous threads on M43's . There are some very convincing fakes floading around.

Do you have it in hands?

Cheers
Jan

[hcliffe]

Hi Jan, yes I have it in hand. It looks very authentic including material, stitching, wear etc. I also concluded it was an M42 with a bill added later. I have an original M43 with provenance to compare it to, as well as an M42. Actually, it is cut pretty much like an M42. If you open an M42 up, they do get pretty round, and the way this one slopes up on the sides is similar. Does anyone else have a hat like this? Anyone heard of this being done?

[Glenn McInnes]

Yes I agree a M42 cap that was period converted to a M43, Got a closeup of the interior rivet and behind the front flaps, Thanks, Glenn

[hcliffe]

Picture of the vent hole from the inside.

[hcliffe]

Back of the button flap.

[Glenn McInnes]

Thanks for the pics!! Again it looks like a nice original cap converted from a M42 to a 43





Glenn