SS M43 Cap with green embroidered insignia

[90th Light]

Chris,
well I now own this cap I was going to remove the insignia but I will hold my horses. A number of people here whose opinions I value have given it the no go. That said Ive handled it and liked it and showed it to a dealer here he liked it but baulked at the black light test as it glowed in a few spots, he asked if Id washed it. I dont hold with blacklights but John said hed rinsed it to remove soiling so maybe the dealer was on to something. I wasnt trying to sell it merely get an opinion. Now Im more confused. I didnt pay that much so I didnt lose much .
cheers Robert

Hello Robert,

yes it is interesting how quickly they have dismissed it on the cloth cap section but this thread certainly gets one thinking and not only explains why it might glow because a good wash in "Persil" will cause that. The Germans invented whitners for washing powder before the second world war and that is what something like Persil has in it so hence the glow after a wash.

This thread also explains the damage to the top of your cap because it looks like it might have been some sort of rodent nest perhaps ??? and what ever that liner material is it does not appear to be all that strong.

I am pleased I found this before you removed the trap because that cap you have certainly looks to be made of Italian WW2 wool based on what I can see from a computer image.

Well John.M. and Robert.E. certainly seem to like them so may be you could touch base with them to find out more.

I am pleased I found this for you,

Chris

[Bob Hritz]

Well, it has been a number of years since these caps have been discussed. I was opening up boxes of stuff that was packed away and stumbled upon this cap. It was bought with a collection I acquired, so no great veteran story.

The flaps are reversed, there is no bias material reinforcement for the flaps, it is made of coarse Italian wool and the lining is a cheap herringbone woven rayon. The only marking is the size.

The lining shows light wear which appears natural.

What are today's thoughts on this type of cap. Is it display shelf material or good for polishing the chrome on my car?

If any other photos are required, let me know.

Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

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[Bob Hritz]

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[Bob Hritz]

Button holes and button attachment detail

[Bob Hritz]

Front of button hole embroidery.