LW Berg v. M43

[J Melvin]

I've been discussing in another forum the relative rarity of the Luftwaffe M43 cap. Frankly, I never considered it a rare item, but some say that they are quite rare. Who out there has a true M43 and not a bergmutze? I'm including a photo of a single button bergmutze and single button M43 side by side for comparison. Main differences in the caps that I've found are that the flap on the bergmutze is rounded rather than squared; the brim is shorter on the berg; and, the berg has a single grommet ventilation hole to each side whereas the M43 has none. In reality, I don't think that I have seen that many true M43s out there. Even in photos. Anyone else?

[John Hodgin]

Hi Jack,

IMO The Bergmütze is much more rare than 43's are. I see scores of Luft. 43's for every Luft. Bergmütze. Now, Luft. Officer's M-43 are another matter!

Regards,
John

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jack, I agree with John's observations. I have a Luftwaffe Einheitsfeldmutze in my collection. I bought it with my first weeks wages from work, aged 16, in 1977. It cost me £10 and my wage was £15 a week back then, with £5 board going to Mum & Dad.
I still have the cap. It is made from reworked wool and has two peice insignia of an embroidered Luftwaffe eagle and a BeVo cockade. Lining is grey cotton.
Cheers, Ade.

[Willi Z.]

Hi jack,

I agree with John and Adrian.

Luft M43s are rather common, bringing half of what a nice '42 dated Luft Bergmütze brings.

Willi

[Frank Mills]

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[Luftm40]

I have a Luft bergmutze that I found wadded up on the shelf of a small town antique store in Illinois. The sales tag read "nazi hat". Turned out to be a super, textbook example that I still own. I would also say they are much more rare than the Luft M43

[John Hodgin]

Hi Jack,

You are correct that only Bergmütze caps have vent grommets. But keep in mind that some M-43's, usually the earlier ones, can have rounded flap ends and short bills. M-43's have the inner ear flap loops and Bergmütze's do not.

Regards,
John

[François SAEZ]

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[François SAEZ]

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[François SAEZ]

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[François SAEZ]

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[John Hodgin]

NICE François! I have one similar with machine sewn insignia.
Very best,
John

[J Melvin]

Nice example Francois!

[Gene]

My Bergmuetze. It is unmarked, about a size 56 and has the partial leather sweatband.

[Brian C.]

Which kind is this one?

I can't tell if this has the grommets or notfrom the pics, but it does have the partial leather sweatband, rounded flap, and smaller bill.

http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPa...erhdgr/hg2.htm