Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Waffen-SS officer M43 field cap in very good service used condition, constructed from field gray wool and size marked 57. It retains its machine embroidered SS cap eagle and silver bullion officer piping, while the original Totenkopf skull insignia has been removed from the front.

The SS, or Schutzstaffel, developed from a small party protection organization into a major component of the National Socialist system under Heinrich Himmler. The Waffen-SS became its armed branch and fielded combat formations during WWII while the wider SS organization was deeply involved in occupation, persecution, and mass murder throughout German controlled Europe.

The cap follows the familiar M43 field pattern and is constructed from a somewhat coarse field gray wool, consistent with Waffen SS uniforms later in the war after large quantities of fabric were obtained in Italy. The crown is edged with silver bullion piping, indicating officer configuration.

At the upper front is a second pattern SS cap eagle machine embroidered in silver gray thread on a black backing. It is secured around the perimeter with heavy overlapping stitching.

Below the eagle is the clear outline and surviving stitching from the former Totenkopf skull insignia. The skull itself has been cut away and is no longer present. The cloth inside the former insignia outline is noticeably less worn and less age toned than the surrounding surface, consistent with having been protected by an applied badge for an extended period.

The fold down side and rear panels are correctly shaped with scalloped front ends and can be lowered to provide additional coverage around the ears and neck. HBT fabric ear loops are present on either side of the flap. When raised, the front ends rest above the visor and are joined by a single brown button.

The visor is reinforced internally with cardboard and covered in matching field gray cloth. It remains firm and well shaped, showing only slight rippling with no major bends, creases, or cracking described.

The interior is lined with a brushed cotton or cotton rayon blend material showing light staining and wear from use. A leather forehead sweatband is also fitted and shows age related wrinkling and wear but no major tears or holes.

The crown is size marked:

57

No additional maker or issue markings were observed.

Overall condition is very good with light to moderate service wear. The exterior field gray wool shows some yellowed discoloration and age toning, while the fabric protected beneath the side flaps retains a noticeably fresher appearance. There are no major tears or large holes.

Some moth damage is present beneath the right side flap, including a small hole. The removed Totenkopf is the principal condition and completeness issue, while the remaining eagle, bullion piping, liner, sweatband, button, visor, and fold down panels are all well retained.

With its officer silver bullion piping, surviving second pattern SS eagle, field gray M43 construction, clear evidence of a formerly installed Totenkopf, complete fold down panels, leather forehead sweatband, and size 57 marking, this is a particularly interesting Waffen-SS officer field cap. The removed skull insignia, light staining and discoloration, small moth hole, and general service wear are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Waffen-SS headgear, M43 field cap, officer uniform, German WWII cloth insignia, or advanced military headgear collection.