Need Advice on Army tropical Field Cap

[JAYP]

I just bought this cap from the nephew of a veteran,the veteran removed the insignia and slit the back of the cap because he wore it.Should I restore it or leave it the way it is?The vet at least saved the insignia and you can see where it was on the cap.Thanks Jay Parisi

[JAYP]

The back

[JAYP]

the insignia

[RGD51]

What a shame....looks like a big wedge has been cut from the back...not just the seam opened which could be re-sewn. I'd certainly put the trop insignia back on, it's pretty sorry looking without it IMO.

[Mark Gibson]

Jay,
Definitely reapply the insignia in as close to the proper manner as you can. The cap will definitely look much better and less chance of losing the separate pieces. If you can, also try to mend the damage to the rear. It may never fit your head but we don't buy these items to wear (well, at least I don't).
Is that a headband that I can just see with the red liner? A shot of the inside would be great if you can. Any clear size, date, maker marks on the interior?
Nice purchase Jay.
Regards
Mark

[TONY Q.W.]

IMO, I would desplay the cap with the insignia next to it (leave it alone). But again this is only my humble opinion.

[John Hodgin]

Jay, I would reapply the insignia, BUT only after you study these caps and look at some unaltered original examples, so that you apply the insignia in the correct manner. The new Schiffer book on DAK uniforms would be a great resource for this. Look at David Bunch's caps pictured within. The insignia should only be resewn with pure cotton thread of the correct color, period German if you can get it. The insignia should be put exactly where it was before. In doing this you are RESTORING the cap to its original war time state. This is far different from adding insignia to someting that never had it before.

Regards,
John