An Extremely Salty M43 Cap

[9SSHohenstaufen]

actually extremely salty is an understatement, this cap has seen better days. its got a whole lot of character however and i have background history on the owner. this cap came in a grouping of items all from a german POW who was in a soviet prison camp until 1947. i have his release papers, complete with all of his information, his name(hans wallburg) his address, his thumbprint, etc. he apparently was paralyzed in both legs and lost a section of one finger, so his medical records say. this seasoned vet no doubt faced a lot of hardship. i have also from the lot a spork with broken fork prongs, his gascape pouch, a type of scarf which looks like it was made from a set of underwear, and a 1940s pipe which no doubt all belonged to mr wallburg. all peices look quite used. this is perhaps one of my most prized peices in my collection. i hope you enjoy.

[ROBB]

Hi 9SSHohenstaufen ,its a great hat with a great history ,I love those old repairs ,Rob

[Perry Floyd]

Many old repairs,the whole top looks relaced, as you said looks as if he was somewhere(POW Camp) where he had to make do for a long time and wasn't going to be getting a new cap..thanks for sharing

[9SSHohenstaufen]

yep, id imagine the soviets didnt give him a cap to wear while he was in the camp, whether he was forced to work, i dont know, but with paralisis of the legs, i doubt he would have been doing much physical labor. the gray material which is used for the repairs looks almost like it could have came from the lining from a tunic or trousers. the brim is also extrememly warped as the cardboard was most likely exposed to a lot of dampness.