GERMAN WWII AFRIKAKORPS M40 FIELD CAP FOR PIONEERS.

A very nice service used, 1st pattern, size 58, ‘Carl Halfer, Berlin’ manufactured ‘1940’ dated tropical field cap. The cap retains good colour, evidence of wear to the interior red lining. It is always an interesting factor to see the 1940 dated tropical items of uniform, which clearly shows us historically that the High Command of the Armed Forces was already expecting in 1940 to have to go to Africa. The Panzer Army Afrika did not arrive in North Africa until early 1941. The 1st pattern cap eagle is cross hatch stitched in the correct Carl Halfer manner. As commonly seen, the coloured Soutache has been re applied by a company tailor, The original colour Soutache would have likely been pink for Panzer or lime green for Panzer Grenadier and the wearer has been probably been redeployed to an alternate unit of pioneer thus a black Soutache has been period applied. This can be explained in the manner of application. A Carl Halfer factory applied Soutache would have had the Russia braid entering the body of the cap directly on the lower construction stitch line, not running under the body, between cap and brim, this application style is not consistent with the Carl Halfer factory. The stitch lines running through the cap lining on the inside of the forehead area is also a classic sign of company tailor application, the fact that the central thread used to apply the black Soutache is not black! is yet more evidence that this is not a factory applied waffenfarbe. Finally the 1st pattern roundel appears to NOT be cross hatch stitched, indicating reapplication by a tailor. Having given this detailed explanation, do not be mistaken on the originality of this caps authenticity. This is not collector applied insignia or restored. Many garments, especially Afrikakorps related were re issued or re used and period insignia application was used, just not within the factory. The value of the cap is of course affected, a factory applied soutache can fetch up between 5000 and 7000 gbp therefore this cap is price accordingly. More extensive, extra images can be seen on our new Premium website, type in regimentalsmilitaria.co.uk in to your web browser.

Code: 95538