Original Item: Only One Available. Introduced in early 1941 for service in the harsh climates of North Africa and other tropical theaters, the M41 Tropeneinheitsfeldmütze (Tropical Field Cap) quickly became one of the most recognizable pieces of German tropical headgear of the Second World War. Commonly referred to as the Afrikamütze (Africa Cap), the design was loosely based on the Bergmütze worn by Mountain Troops and featured lightweight cotton construction better suited for desert service.

This very good, honest service-used example is a 1941-dated Heer (Army) M41 Tropical Field Cap manufactured by Friedrich Schönberger of Frankfurt am Main. Constructed of ribbed olive-khaki cotton twill, it features the correct dual-ply stitched side and rear panels with the characteristic gently scalloped front flap, which was ornamental in design and not intended to fold down. The cap retains its cotton-covered visor with internal cardboard stiffener and correctly placed steel ventilation grommets to either side.

The cap is complete with both the Wehrmacht national eagle and national tri-color cockade affixed to the front. Both insignia are authentic period wartime examples that display beautifully and are entirely appropriate for an M41 Tropical Field Cap. However, they are replacements and are not the insignia originally applied to this cap. They have been properly hand-stitched to the outer layer of the cap in the manner expected for original wartime manufacture.

The interior retains its original lightweight red cotton open-weave lining without a sweatband and exhibits honest wear and staining consistent with wartime service. The lining is clearly marked with size “58,” while the maker and date stamp remain fully legible and read:

Friedrich Schönberger
Frankfurt am Main
Eckenheimerlandstr. 60s

1941

Condition is very good overall and indicative of long service use. The cap shows attractive wear throughout, including staining to the lining, period stitch repairs, and wear to the edge of the visor. The steel ventilation grommets exhibit oxidation and have lost much of their original zinc finish. The visor remains solid and free from cracks or major bends, though it exhibits some waviness caused by moisture exposure over the decades, likely from perspiration affecting the internal cardboard stiffener. These signs of use only enhance the cap’s authentic field-worn appearance.

German tropical headgear saw extensive use not only by the Deutsches Afrikakorps in North Africa but also by German forces serving in southern Europe and other warm-weather theaters throughout the war. The M41 Tropical Field Cap remains one of the most sought-after and visually distinctive items of German tropical equipment.

This is a highly attractive 1941-dated Heer M41 Tropical Field Cap by a desirable maker in a large size 58. With its honest service wear, fully legible maker markings, and authentic period replacement insignia, it presents exactly as a wartime-used tropical cap should and would make an excellent addition to any advanced collection of German Second World War militaria.