M41 German Tropical Field Cap - Afrika Korps

A very well used M41 Tropical Field Cap so synonymous with the Afrika Korps.

Based on the earlier Bergmutze design the Cap is constructed in a finely ribbed Olive Khaki cotton twill with simulated side skirts above which are two alloy ventilation grommets to each side. The top of the Cap is a single piece of cloth with a central seam formed by pinching the material from front to back. The peak or visor is formed in cardboard and fully covered.

The national insignia is machine embroidered and hand applied, the eagle possibly re applied (but of course absolutely original) suggesting this Cap saw life with a Prisoner of War.

On the left side is the metal Edelweiss device of the Gebirgsjäger and whilst this may appear unusual for the North African Theatre, elements of SV288 were ordered across to North Africa from Greece after the start of CRUSADER, to form an ad-hoc unit called Sperrverband Daumiller (blocking detachment Daumiller, named after its commander, Captain Daumiller). The Gebirgsjäger under SV288 were the only Gebirgsjäger to serve in Libya throughout the duration of the war, but a regiment of Gebirgsjäger fought in Tunisia in 1943. Gebirgsjäger also of course saw service in Crete.

This ties in well with the Cap which has never displayed a Soutache, this being discontinued in 1942.

Inside, the cap is lined in a red cotton with a rubberised cotton sweatband.

The images show well the condition. Very dirty overall, the cloth on the peak has worn through to the cardboard where a right handed man has removed and replaced the cap over a considerable period of time and some stitching has been applied to the front edge to hold the material in place.

The enamel paint has now gone from the alloy ventilation grommets and there is wear to the front top edge of the cap above the eagle.