Sorry - posted this originally in the documents forum!!!
Hello All,
Have received a W-SS officer's M43 from a generally impeccable source. Two piece insignia is correct and machine sewn to the cap. Only issue is the button hole for the single button late war flap. It is not keyhole stitched but is rather machine-stitched straight across on either side of the button hole and then closed off at the ends with vertical stitching, like this: II=========II I have been previously warned that this is a real concern and indicative of a reproduction. When I compare the cap to a single-button panzer W-SS enlisted M43, there is a marked difference in the quality of the stitching -in favour of the EM cap. The EM cap has a perfect keyhole stitched buttonhole - not nearly as rough as the officer's M43. Also - one smaller point - there is no leather brow reinforcement - another characteristic (I understood) of an officer's M43. Any validity to my concerns - or is my paranoia running away with me? Thanks!
Mike
Hello All,
Have received a W-SS officer's M43 from a generally impeccable source. Two piece insignia is correct and machine sewn to the cap. Only issue is the button hole for the single button late war flap. It is not keyhole stitched but is rather machine-stitched straight across on either side of the button hole and then closed off at the ends with vertical stitching, like this: II=========II I have been previously warned that this is a real concern and indicative of a reproduction. When I compare the cap to a single-button panzer W-SS enlisted M43, there is a marked difference in the quality of the stitching -in favour of the EM cap. The EM cap has a perfect keyhole stitched buttonhole - not nearly as rough as the officer's M43. Also - one smaller point - there is no leather brow reinforcement - another characteristic (I understood) of an officer's M43. Any validity to my concerns - or is my paranoia running away with me? Thanks!
Mike
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