Panzer M-43 cap question.

[helmet guy]

I have noticed that a couple of the panzer M-43 caps in my collection have an additional 3rd piece of material between the inner lining and the top of the cap's outer wool body. This is just on the top portion of the cap's body and not on the sides of the cap. On one cap it appears to have a coarse woven weave to it and on the other not as coarse. I don't find this on any of my Heer M-43's. Is this usual on M-43 caps in particular panzer caps ? If so, what would be the reason for this additional component? Sweat absorption ? It doesn't appear to serve as padding due to it's thickness wouldn't give much protection. Has anyone else encountered this on any M-43 caps?

Dave

[helmet guy]

Anyone????

[GAMS1]

On the top only ?
I suggest you to post pictures of your black M43 caps as it's typical of post war black M43 caps worn in the paramilitary sector !
The only period padded versions i encountered were PO or Customs ?
Never a military issue industry made one ?
Nick

[BenVK]

How do you know that there is a "3rd piece of material between the inner lining and the top of the cap's outer wool body" ?

Unless there are holes in the outer fabric or inner lining, you can't see it.

[helmet guy]

It can be felt when the lining is pinched and pulled in one direction and the wool body top in the other.

[BenVK]

I get you..

Nick was spot on when he wrote "it's typical of post war black M43 caps worn in the paramilitary sector"

[helmet guy]

Well, I questioned if it could be serving as a sort of padding although it's too thin to be a padding to protect the wearers head. On one cap, it has a coarse weave feel to it and is maybe 1 1/2 times ticker than the wool body, on the other, it's no thicker than the wool body of the cap and a more smoother feel to it. There are no holes in the cap, so I can't see any of this material, it's just by feel only.

[GAMS1]

I'm afraid we are discussing on post war M43 black caps ...
Nick