{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-heer-gebirgsjager-officer-m43-style-bergmutze-field-cap-with-edelweiss-badge-approximate-size-57","title":"Original German WWII Heer Gebirgsjäger Officer M43 Style Bergmütze Field Cap with Edelweiß Badge, Approximate Size 57","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Heer \u003cem\u003eGebirgsjäger\u003c\/em\u003e officer field cap in the M43 style, complete with silver bullion officer piping, a BeVo style combined national eagle and cockade insignia, and a stitched Edelweiß mountain troops badge on the left side. The cap measures approximately size 57.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe German \u003cem\u003eBergmütze\u003c\/em\u003e, or mountain cap, was developed for troops operating in alpine and cold weather environments. Its practical form, short visor, and fold down side and rear skirt influenced later German field cap designs used throughout the armed forces during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cap is constructed from Heer \u003cem\u003eFeldgrau\u003c\/em\u003e, or field gray, wool. A fold down skirt surrounds the sides and rear for added protection in cold weather and is secured at the front by two painted pebbled aluminum buttons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRayon retaining loops are present beneath the fold down flaps. These were used to secure the skirt when folded down into position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver bullion piping follows the crown seam, indicating officer rank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front of the cap carries a machine woven BeVo style combined national eagle and cockade insignia in gray and silver thread on a parallelogram shaped field. The insignia is consistent with officer grade Heer headgear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side bears the distinctive Edelweiß badge associated with German mountain troops. It is stitched directly to the cap and remains very well presented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Edelweiß became the traditional emblem of German and Austrian mountain troops and was associated with alpine service, endurance, and specialized mountain warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior is lined in blue gray rayon faux silk twill. The lining shows wear and staining from use, particularly across the forehead area. No manufacturer, date, or size markings were located during inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe visor remains structurally sound, with no cracks visible in the internal cardboard stiffener. It does show several bends from age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is very good. The field gray wool shows general service and handling wear but no visible moth damage. The cap measures approximately 57cm using a hat sizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its silver bullion officer piping, BeVo style front insignia, stitched Edelweiß badge, fold down skirt, intact visor, and attractive field gray wool construction, this is a strong example of German WWII mountain troop officer headgear. The interior staining, visor bends, general fabric wear, absent maker markings, and approximate sizing are fully disclosed. It would display particularly well in a \u003cem\u003eGebirgsjäger\u003c\/em\u003e, Heer officer uniform, German mountain warfare, M43 style field cap, or advanced WWII headgear collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGebirgsjäger\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ematerial is among the most popular of all German WWII items. They were the light infantry part of the alpine or mountain troops (\u003cem\u003eGebirgstruppe\u003c\/em\u003e) of Germany and Austria. The word \u003cem\u003eJäger\u003c\/em\u003e (meaning \"hunter\" or \"huntsman\") is a characteristic term used for light-infantry or light-infantryman in German-speaking military context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mountain infantry of Austria have their roots in the three \u003cem\u003eLandesschützen \u003c\/em\u003eregiments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The mountain infantry of Germany carry on certain traditions of the \u003cem\u003eAlpenkorps\u003c\/em\u003e (Alpine corps) of World War I. Both countries' mountain infantry share the \u003cem\u003eEdelweiß\u003c\/em\u003e insignia. It was established in 1907 as a symbol of the Austro-Hungarian \u003cem\u003eLandesschützen\u003c\/em\u003e regiments by Emperor Franz Joseph I. These troops wore their edelweiss on the collar of their uniforms. When the \u003cem\u003eAlpenkorps\u003c\/em\u003e came to aid the \u003cem\u003eLandesschützen\u003c\/em\u003e in defending Austria-Hungary's southern frontier against the Italian attack in May 1915, the grateful \u003cem\u003eLandesschützen\u003c\/em\u003e honored the men of the \u003cem\u003eAlpenkorps\u003c\/em\u003e by awarding them their own insignia: the edelweiss. Together with the \u003cem\u003eFallschirmjäger\u003c\/em\u003e (Paratroopers) they are perceived as the elite infantry units of the German Army.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45464270700613,"sku":"ONSV26CC138","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/DDC5D8F5-5CED-406A-ABDA-A0C1339E9BEC.jpg?v=1785784787","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-heer-gebirgsjager-officer-m43-style-bergmutze-field-cap-with-edelweiss-badge-approximate-size-57","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}